Conservation and religious leaders, Alaska Natives, communities of color, outdoor enthusiasts, veterans and communities of faith from across the U.S. realize that we need to stand together and make our voices heard to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. These voices are coming together around the unprecedented opportunity to protect the Arctic Refuge. Together, we will protect America’s wild and iconic Arctic Refuge once and for all. See how you can get involved and check out the We Are The Arctic book for more Refuge images and essays from these leaders.
Stacy Bare is a 2014 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and recipient of the Bronze Star for Merit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As someone who has visited the Refuge, Stacy thinks that if you believe in "America the Beautiful," then you need to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Read about Stacy's trip to the Refuge.
Mark Magaña, president and founder of Green Latinos, knows how important it is to fight for a culture’s way of life. Growing up in Los Angeles, Mark saw how many of Latino communities brought their culture with them and preserved it – rather than being displaced by forces outside of their control. Read about Mark's trip to the Refuge.
Rue Mapp is founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a group that inspires African-American connections and leadership in nature. Rue joined the We Are The Arctic effort because she believes protecting this special place is a matter of human rights and refuses to stand by while the Gwich’in people lose their way of life. Read about Rue's trip to the Refuge.
In January, the heads of outdoor recreation companies from across the country gather in Salt Lake City at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show to show off their new products and discuss their industry. In the video below, the Alaska Wilderness League caught up with executives of these companies who had been to the Arctic Refuge and asked them to share why protecting the Refuge is so important to them.
Watch this short film below to learn more about the Gwich'in people's spiritual, cultural and physical connection to this place. Director/Producer: Miho Aida You may purchase the DVD of this film as well as inquire about public screening opportunities. Please visit www.mihoaida.com/gwichin.
Experience the beauty that is the Arctic Refuge in this film. It's time to protect this last great wilderness once, and for all.
Genevieve Chase, founder of American Women Veterans, 2016 inductee to the Army Women's Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, shares why the Arctic Refuge is a place of peace for our nation’s heroes and represents the ideals of freedom and posterity they swore to uphold and defend.
Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Gwich’in actress, activist and writer, shares her connection to the Arctic Refuge - an irreplaceable and majestic place.
Six U.S. veterans set out on the adventure of a lifetime: navigate +100 river miles in the Arctic Refuge. Hear their story and their mission to protect the Refuge once and for all:
Aerial View of Native Leaders' Message
