VOICE OF THE ARCTIC IÑUPIAT PRESIDENT CONDEMNS FEDERAL OVERSTEP OF ALASKA'S NPR-A

While the federal government continues to wage its war on oil and gas, many entities and communities throughout the United States find their way of life to be considered nothing more than collateral damage.

- NICK VACCARO

Failing to zoom in more closely and consider the effects of its policies, the federal government leaves a wake of destruction for citizens, especially those who rely on resource development projects in their region. As a result, nonprofit organizations need to levy some source of representation.

The North Slope of Alaska is no different. The region largely depends on oil and gas development projects, and recent federal decisions have threatened local communities’ way of life. Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat (VOICE) facilitates a network of communication among North Slope communities to establish a unified voice when discussing critical issues like these. While the organization focuses on local advocacy and engagement with state, federal and international platforms to address issues affecting the Arctic, it seeks to promote an understanding of the region’s economy and how it is intertwined with the North Slope Iñupiat’s culture and traditions.

VOICE seeks to protect the interests of eight local North Slope communities, including support for self-determination in the form of responsible resource development projects in the region. With attention given to protecting the area’s land, waters,and resources, the organization serves the population as an avenue for the presentation of information from outside sources, including governmental and nongovernmental entities.

With the Biden administration’s hyperfocused threat to fossil fuels, VOICE has actively sought to connect with the federal government to discuss the impact of recent policies on the North Slope communities it represents. The latest federal proposed rule threatens the areas of focus that VOICE strives to represent and protect. Due to the course of action taken by the Biden administration, the North Slope’s economy, communities and culture will be at risk, provoking profound changes to the everyday experience of the North Slope Iñupiat.