Failure of second Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale confirms oil and gas industry knows that threatening the Refuge is bad for business

This week the U.S. Department of Interior announced that no bids were received during the second oil and gas lease sale in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The Coastal Plain—which we call Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit (The Sacred Place Where Life Begins)—is the place where the herd renews itself each year with the birth of thousands of young Vadzaih (caribou) calves. Oil and gas development in the Refuge would threaten this millennial old cycle of new birth, posing an existential threat to the Porcupine caribou herd. In recent years, a growing number of major banks, insurers and investors have recognized this and have agreed that the Refuge must be protected.

During his first Administration, President Trump mandated two oil and gas lease sales in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Proponents of oil and gas development estimated that drilling in the Refuge would bring in $1.8 billion in revenue, which the Trump Administration claimed would pay for the tax cuts. Now, with the two failed lease sales, oil and gas companies have shown they recognize that drilling in the Refuge is bad for business.  

Despite the lack of interest from industry shown by the latest failed lease sale, we anticipate that the incoming Trump Administration will continue to push for oil and gas development in the Refuge.  

The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will continue to stand up to any threat to the Refuge, building on the work we have done together with Indigenous Nations across the North to protect the Porcupine caribou and its habitat. We know that our partners and a large and constantly growing number of supporters in Canada, the United States and around the world stand with us.  

Quotes:  

“The absence of any interest in this second oil and gas lease sale confirms what we have been saying for decades: that there is little to gain and much to lose by drilling in Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit—the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Banks, investors, insurance companies and oil and gas companies now recognize this, and it is time for Congress to do the same.” 

“United with other northern Indigenous nations in Alaska and Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will continue to stand against the destruction of Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit. The United States government must recognize our fundamental rights of culture, health, and subsistence. Proceeding with any oil and gas development in these sacred lands would be a violation of our human rights. Securing permanent protection is about our human rights, our way of life, and our very survival.” 

—Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

“I acknowledge the strong message that the oil and gas industry has sent by not participating in this lease sale in Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit (The Sacred Place Where Life Begins). I ask that the industry continue to stand with us and with people around the world who stand with the Gwich’in Nation in seeking the permanent protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.” 

—Elder Norma Kassi, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation  

“The Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge connects us in a sacred relationship with the land, the waters, and the animals that have sustained our people for countless generations. Protecting it means protecting the heart of who we are as Gwich’in, and ensuring a future for generations to come.” 

—Harold Frost Jr., Deputy Chief and Gwich’in Steering Committee Board Member, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

“Gwich’in culture is deeply connected to the natural environment. Loss of access to our land and natural resources severely impacts our unique identity. Colonialism and colonial practices, such as oil and gas development, threatens our traditional cultural identities, customs, and ways of life.” 

—Christine Creyke, Lands Manager and Gwich’in Steering Committee Board Member, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
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Media Inquiries:

Gyde Shepherd (he/him), Communications Manager
Executive Office, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
‍gyde.shepherd@vgfn.ca | (613) 804-4273