The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, located on the fringes of northern Alaska, is so remote that very few nonindigenous people will ever step foot on the land. This pristine land is home to the Gwich’in people, whose wellbeing and food security are intricately tied to the Porcupine Caribou, which rely on the Arctic Refuge to survive. The land, the people, and the caribou are all currently facing the threats of the U.S. government's insistence on “unleashing America’s energy,” which has been deemed worth the cost of the Gwich’in people’s homeland and way of life. 

At the same time, people of faith across the globe and throughout the U.S, have been celebrating the liturgical season of Creation, which stretches through September into early October. 

This is a season for communities of faith to come together in prayer and action, seeking healing and renewal in our relationship with both God the Creator and with all of creation. It is a time to confront the brokenness of those relationships, and challenge ourselves and our political leaders to move beyond our desire for acquisition and domination, and instead be guided by a sense of justice, stewardship, solidarity, and hope. 

What better place to start practicing these principles than working to conserve the land of the Arctic Refuge and to stand in solidarity with the Gwich’in people as they fight back against the attempts to desecrate their homeland. 

The Gwich’in people have lived in relationship with, relied upon, and worked to protect the Arctic Refuge for generations. The caribou are central to the Gwich’in way of life, not only physically, but also culturally and spiritually. Over 200,000 caribou migrate across the Arctic Refuge, which is also home to their birthing grounds, known to the Gwich’in as Izhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit - the Sacred Place Where Life Begins.

The Arctic Refuge has endured numerous attempts to undo its very existence in recent decades. Most recently, as part of the an executive order in early 2025, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was targeted as one of the federally protected public lands that should be explored to “maximize the development and production of natural resources.” This has resulted in mandated oil and gas lease sales on the Arctic Refuge, attempting to auction off this breathtaking piece of God’s creation to the highest bidder. 

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is currently reviewing proposals from companies to move forward with seismic testing in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge, which is where Izhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit is located. 

Seismic testing is an extremely destructive method for finding underground oil and gas reserves, and is the first step towards oil and gas development. The process involves 90,000 pound “thumper” trucks that send forceful shockwaves into the fragile tundra, resulting in long-lasting damage to the surrounding land, wildlife, and vegetation. The shocks from the trucks can destroy animals’ habitat, food, and migration routes, putting the lives of polar bears, caribou, and other critical species at risk. 

In response to the imminent threats to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Gwich’in elders called for an emergency gathering in September and released a statement calling upon all “supporters now more than ever to educate your local, state, and national leaders of the pressing need to stop attempts at seismic activity, oil exploration and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.” Their statement was clear - “When the caribou are under threat, the Gwich’in are under threat.” 

We must stand in solidarity with the Gwich’in as they face these threats to their homeland and way of life. We can look to the prophet Isaiah, whose book is often turned to throughout the Season of Creation, for hope and inspiration in times such as these. He speaks of a time when the relationship between humanity, God, and creation is restored, and “justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field” (Isaiah 32:16). 

There is hope, but it must be an active hope. We have to work towards Isaiah’s vision of justice and righteousness. Justice would dictate that, as a nation, we prohibit forced oil and gas development in the Arctic Refuge that unwinds the peaceful relationship between a people and their homeland. Righteousness and moral wisdom should guide us to instead work to preserve this place. 

Photo by Katrina Liebich/USFWS, Public Domain