History and the Ongoing Struggle

• Main Author: Dunaway, Finis
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Carolina Press 2021
• Subjects: Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Gwich’in
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5149/northcarolina/9781469661100.003.0026

The epilogue reflects on the larger implications of Lenny Kohm’s story in relation to environmental-Indigenous alliances, the history of grassroots activism, and the rise of neoliberalism. It also considers the policies of various presidential administrations, including that of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who supported Arctic Refuge protection while also expanding fossil fuel development in other areas. The epilogue traces Iñupiat opposition to Shell Oil’s plans to drill in the Arctic Ocean (including the leadership and advocacy of Rosemary Ahtuangaruak) and discusses the solidarity between Gwich’in and Iñupiat on multiple campaigns against Arctic fossil fuel development. Finally, the epilogue traces the Arctic Refuge debate during the presidency of Donald Trump, especially the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which included a drilling provision. The epilogue emphasizes the continuing opposition of the Gwich’in Steering Committee and their allies to Arctic drilling and their ongoing effort to maintain their relations of responsibility with caribou and the land.