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Dear [Representative or Senator] [First and Last Name],

I recently watched the film Oil on Ice, and I am writing to you about an issue in this film that concerns me deeply: how drilling in the Refuge jeopardizes the culture and livelihood of the Gwich’in people.

The Gwich’in live in the United States and Canada and have a rich culture heritage that is dependent on the porcupine caribou heard that migrates to the coastal plain where oil-interests want to drill.  That plain is a sacred place for the Gwich'in people who have historically refused Permanent Fund money -- money that Alaskans receive from oil sales -- in order to maintain their subsistence way.

Ninety-five percent of America's arctic coastal plain is already open for oil development; and now oil-drilling proponents want to open this last remaining five percent.  

Oil companies tell us that modern drilling is less harmful to the environment that it used to be, but caribou biologists warn that oil exploration and development is not compatible with caribou calving or large-scale caribou migration. Furthermore, evidence of human-caused global warming dictates a need to develop clean, renewable energies.

For too long, America has used its power to infringe on the livelihood of indigenous peoples.  We need to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.  The time has come for an energy policy that puts the needs of people, wildlife and the environment first. 

 I hope you will support the permanent protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I look forward to your reply.

 Sincerely, 
[your name]
[your address]