Together Apart
September 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2020
A remote event celebrating the strength and commitment of the Gwich’in Nation and calling for continued action to protect the calving grounds of the porcupine caribou herd and the sacred place where life begins
Since 1989, the Gwich’in Nation has met biannually to renew our opposition to drilling in Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit, the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This year’s official Gwich’in Gathering was cancelled due to COVID-19, but we believe it’s important to have an opportunity for the Gwich’in Nation and our allies to come together, even when we are apart. This is not an official Gwich’in Gathering but an opportunity to continue to stand with the Gwich’in as we battle the Trump Administration that is secretly and forcefully trying to open the coastal plain. As the pandemic continues on we know we are struggling, but, looking around the country, this is why we fight tooth and nail. We know that we’ll survive anything that happens. But what about the rest of the country? Not everybody can live off the land. We are going to remind everyone: the Gwich’in Nation is here. Together. Following the direction of our elders, and that will never change. We are strong people. We’re going to get through this together, just as long as we support each other. Let’s not forget to pray for each other. Each community has our own issues, but we must always remember to stay united and stay strong in prayer.
We hope you can join us for this event. “Together, Apart” will include:
- Celebration of Gwich’in leaders and our culture, including updates from the Gwich’in Youth Council, jig dancing, and talent shows;
- If you are interested in playing music please send in a 3 ro 5 minute clip.
- Hearing from Gwich’in and Indigenous leadership;
- Updates from our allies working to defend the coastal plain.
Please RSVP here by Thursday, September 17th and we will send you information prior to the event. You can also reach out to the Gwich’in Steering Committee office directly by calling (907) 458-8264 or e-mailing betty@gwichinsteering.com.
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