As an Inupiat from the Arctic Slope I think it's time people understand there is another side to the sensationalized story told by the Gwich'in Steering Committee and ADN reporter David Whitney. First, he carefully eludes the fact that the Inupiat also rely on the Porcupine caribou for sustenance.
Inupiat people are wise in nature and are the best of environmentalists.
Therefore, it is ludicrous to suggest that the Inupiat people would purposely and willfully harm the food supply that has deep roots in our culture and tradition. History has shown that industry and wildlife can co-exist. The Central Arctic Caribou Herd in the Prudhoe Bay region has flourished since the pipeline days. Second, Mr. Whitney asserts that the Inupiat are allied with the oil industry, but fails to point out that the Gwich'in Steering Committee is heavily funded by the environmental community. Unfortunately, the Gwich'in Steering Committee is being used to further the agenda of the environmental community which places less value on basic human rights.