The fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the fate of the Gwich'in Nation. If the Arctic Refuge is sacrificed to meet the high energy consumption needs of the US, the Gwich’in will not be able to continue our ancestral way of life and pass it on to our future generations as we have since time immemorial. The Arctic Refuge is facing its greatest threat ever, with many opponents stacked up against it: the White House, the Oil Industry, the Teamsters, Arctic Power, Native Corporations and the AK delegation. Even our strongest allies in the Senate are under enormous pressure to change their position. We need all of our supporters to take action now in opposition to this threat. It is crucial that we create broad resistance to drilling on the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge-the birthplace and nursery of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. Call or Write your Senators, tell all of our relations to make this call or write this letter today. We need the voice of all our supporters to defeat this attack on the inherent fundamental human rights of the Gwich'in Nation. Our traditional culture and way of life, which is interconnected with the Porcupine Caribou Herd to meet all our essential needs such as food, clothing, tools, spirituality and social structure, is at stake. Speak out now!
• Please write to your Senators and Representative and urge them to oppose any attempt to pass legislation allowing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (We do not recommend sending emails since many offices disregard them or give them lower value than letters, faxes or phone calls.)
To find your representative's phone number, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your Senator's and/or Representative's office. Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue to which you wish to comment. After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.8___)." You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your Senator's or Representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call. Tips On Writing Congress The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter: 1.
Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of
the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation,
identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill:
S.____. To a Senator: The
Honorable (full name) The
Honorable (full name) Dear
Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman: |
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