MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release - June 28, 1996 CONTACT: Chief William Koe
Robert Alexie, Jr.
Fifth Gwich'in Gathering Sharon Snowshoe
Planned for For McPherson - August 16-19 Phone: 403-952-2330
All of the Gwich'in people who live in Alaska and Canada will be represented
at the fifth Gwich'in Gathering to be held in Fort McPherson in the Northwest
Territories, August 16-19, 1996. The Gwich'in will be discussing issues that
are of importance to all Gwich'in, whether they live in northeastern Alaska
and [sic] northwestern Canada.
Since the first gathering in 1988, the Gwich'in have worked hard to protect
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, where the Porcupine caribou
give birth to their young, from oil development. Other issues include the
health of the Porcupine caribou herd which migrates across Alaska and northern
Canada, preservation of the Gwich'in language, culture, and tradition, sus-
tainable development, education and economic development.
Since that first Gathering, the Gwich'in have met every two years - at Arctic
Village in 1990, in Venetie, Alaska in 1992, and in Old Crow, Yukon in 1994 -
and the achievements of that first Gathering have continued each time.
Funds and donations are being sought to help with the organization of the
fifth Gwich'in Gathering.
Media coverage of the Gathering is welcomed. Further details, including
information about accomodation, travel, location and the schedule of events
for the Gathering, is available from the Gwich'in Tribal Council, P.O. Box
30, Fort McPherson, N.W.T., X0E 0J0, Canada. Tehephone (403) 952-2330 or
fax (403) 952-2212.
Contact people are available for interviews.
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