Evansville, Ak – The Evansville Tribal Council, as the sovereign government and stewards of our ancestral lands, is calling upon the Biden Administration to prioritize the protection of our environment, culture, and community by selecting the “No Action” alternative in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Ambler Industrial Road and revoke all permits.
The Ambler industrial road, if approved, poses a grave threat to the delicate ecosystems, traditional livelihoods, and cultural heritage of our communities. This joint effort honors our commitment to safeguard the natural resources that have sustained our people for generations, including the Western Arctic Caribou herd, the moose, sheefish, and salmon of the region.
The proposed road, which would cut through the heart of our ancestral lands, carries significant environmental risks. The potential for habitat destruction, water contamination, and disruption to local wildlife populations is of great concern to our tribes in the face of climate change. We stand united in our belief that any short-term economic gains that may be derived from this project cannot outweigh the long-term environmental devastation it could cause.
“If this road is developed, it will pave the way for countless more mines to be built and accessible. An entire mining district, not just one mine,” says Chief Frank Thompson.
The Ambler industrial road project disregards the rights and voices of indigenous peoples. Our communities have inhabited and cared for this land since time immemorial. We have a deep spiritual, cultural, and historical connection to this territory, and any development should respect and honor these sacred ties. It is imperative that our concerns and perspectives be fully acknowledged and integrated into the decision-making process.
The draft SEIS includes an alternative that would allow the Biden administration to determine impacts were too great for the permits to remain in place. We believe the impacts to our people outweigh any supposed benefits.
We call upon the Biden administration to select the No Action Alternative and revoke the existing permits. We request all stakeholders, including government agencies and the responsible mining companies, to accept that this project is a threat to our survival as Tribes and native people.
The Evansville Tribal Council has a standing resolution in opposition to the Ambler industrial road.
“We’ve been fighting this road since 2013.” Says Chief Thompson. “This is the last great wildernessin all of North America, perhaps the Western Hemisphere. Our hope is that the Biden Administration will protect this place not just currently, but forever.”
We invite concerned citizens, environmental advocates, and fellow indigenous communities to join us in opposing the Ambler industrial road project. Together, we can strive for sustainable and responsible economic development that respects our rights to exist for many generations to come.
CONTACT:
First Chief Frank Thompson
frankiefigsak@gmail.com