Alaska Wilderness League

In a historic move last Friday, President Biden and his administration formally apologized for the federal government’s role in the forced assimilation of Native American children through boarding schools. This marks the first time in over 50 years that a sitting president has publicly acknowledged the immense suffering these schools caused. From the early 1800s to the 1960s, Native children were taken from their families, stripped of their languages, cultures, and identities, and subjected to abuse and neglect—some never making it home. We recognize that no apology can ever undo this painful history. But this apology represents a step forward, offering hope for healing, reconciliation, and justice. Acknowledgment alone isn’t enough. But it’s an essential step in ensuring that history is not forgotten—and never repeated. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YIBTu8

What a whirlwind it’s been here at the League! We’re still beaming from Tuesday’s event in Washington, D.C., and we remain incredibly grateful to all who helped make this event so special. Big thanks to everyone who joined us! Special thanks to Peter Van Tuyn for introducing Cindy Shogan, and heartfelt gratitude to the Kolton family for helping us announce a new grant award. Photo credit: Bryan Francis

We’re thrilled to announce the 2024 recipient of the Adam Kolton Alaska Storytelling Grant Award: filmmaker Elsa Sebastian! Now in its third year, this grant honors our late director, Adam Kolton, by supporting storytellers sharing uniquely Alaskan narratives. Over the past decade, Elsa has pursued filmmaking, completing the documentary Understory in 2019 with her husband and filmmaking partner, Colin Arisman. This film responded to the Trump Administration's repeal of the Roadless Rule and garnered 6,000 comments in support, leading to more award-winning projects as an editor and producer. The storytelling grant will support Elsa and Colin (Wild Confluence Media) in their latest film project—a partnership with Tlingit weaver Lani Hotch, who has embarked on an ambitious initiative to teach other women in her community how to weave Chilkat robes. Additionally, we are proud to present an honorable mention award to Kaitlin Armstrong! Kaitlin is an Anchorage-based sound artist and writer focused on her documentary podcast, The Alaska Myth, which aims to reshape perceptions of Alaska. On behalf of the entire team at Alaska Wilderness League, we congratulate Elsa as we further Adam’s legacy and look forward to partnering with her in the year to come. We also extend our congratulations to Kaitlin for her important work in reshaping narratives about Alaska. Thank you for joining us in celebrating these talented storytellers!

What an incredible evening! We gathered with our amazing supporters to raise funds for the Adam Kolton Alaska Storytelling Grant and to honor the remarkable Cindy Shogan, our former executive director, for her years of dedicated service to the conservation movement. Her legacy inspires us all!   ✨ Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of this year’s grant winner! If you couldn’t join us, don’t worry—we’ll be sharing plenty of videos and highlights soon, so you can celebrate with us and toast to another fantastic year at the League. Together, we’re making a difference for Alaska’s public lands!   #AlaskaWildernessLeague #Conservation #Storytelling #CelebrateWildlife

For 31 years, Alaska Wilderness League has worked with the Gwich’in Nation to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas development. This iconic conservation effort is now more urgent than ever, as Alaska warms at two to three times the global average, with temperatures projected to rise by as much as 14.2°F by the end of the century. Glaciers in Alaska are melting at twice the rate they did between 1960 and 2004, while thawing permafrost—beneath 80% of the state’s ground—is releasing vast amounts of carbon and destabilizing one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, forcing communities to relocate as infrastructure collapses on the shifting landscape. Oil and gas corporations are at the heart of this crisis. Just 100 fossil fuel companies are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron among the worst offenders. These same companies continue to develop Alaska’s public lands, exacerbating the crisis. The Arctic Refuge was designated for its unparalleled natural and cultural resources, including the Porcupine Caribou Herd, which has sustained the Gwich’in people for millennia. Science, Indigenous knowledge, and direct observation all point to the same conclusion: large-scale oil and gas development irreversibly damages the Arctic's delicate ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, water resources, and Indigenous communities. At Alaska Wilderness League, protecting this extraordinary landscape is at the core of our mission, and we will continue to fight for it, no matter the challenges ahead. https://lnkd.in/ghSqyk68

Happy #NationalWildlifeRefugeWeek! This week, we reflect on the true meaning of ‘refuge’—a place of safety and sanctuary where life can thrive without interference. In Alaska, National Wildlife Refuges like Izembek, Kenai, and Arctic protect diverse wildlife, from migratory birds to marine mammals, along with their critical habitats. These sanctuaries play an essential role for both wildlife and the communities that rely on these resources. However, despite their protective status, these refuges face increasing threats from political, economic, and environmental pressures. This week reminds us of the need to protect these irreplaceable areas! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4f4W3E3

We’re thrilled to announce that on October 29th we will be presenting Cindy Shogan with a lifetime achievement award for her extraordinary dedication to protecting Alaska’s wildest places. As Executive Director of Alaska Wilderness League from 1998 to 2017, Cindy grew the League from a small, passionate coalition to a national movement expanding membership from 200 to 10,000. Under Cindy’s leadership, the League became a key force in defending the Arctic Refuge from relentless drilling proposals. Her tenacity and strategic vision played a huge role in stopping pro-drilling forces during the Bush administration—mobilizing grassroots activists, building coalitions, and securing bipartisan support in Congress. Her work has left an indelible mark on the conservation movement and Alaska Wilderness League, ensuring that Alaska's unique landscapes remain protected. Join us in honoring Cindy’s achievements and the lasting impact she has made on conservation efforts. Thank you, Cindy, for your leadership and commitment to protecting Alaska's wilderness!

👀 Keep those eyes peeled for a new short film dropping later this year featuring the incredible Chad Brown M.Sc.

We are deeply honored to be among the 12 recipients of the 2024 Summer Grant from the Conservation Alliance. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the The Conservation Alliance and its 270+ members for this incredible recognition and support! This generous grant will support our ongoing efforts to protect the Western Arctic—the largest single unit of public land in the United States—by helping us to continue advocating for the maximum protections, including the designation of Special Areas. These designations are crucial for preserving the most vulnerable habitats within the Western Arctic, protecting them from the threats posed by oil and gas development. THANK YOU! https://bit.ly/4emRXre

Get your brackets ready folks! Fat Bear Week is almost here!