The announcement from the Obama administration cancelling Arctic offshore lease sales in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas is a major blow to Arctic communities and economies, and to the entire state of Alaska.
Removing the Arctic from the 2017-2022 offshore leasing program signals that the President has chosen to ignore the voices of the local indigenous people, and that he values his perceived environmental legacy above the future sustainability of Native people, communities and cultures.
Arctic Iñupiat Offshore, LLC (AIO) was established in 2014 to promote sustainable economic development within the Arctic Slope Region. Its primary focus includes creating alignment for responsible development, and planning for the future of the Arctic Iñupiat when it comes to development decisions that affect our region.
AIO members include: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, Atqasuk Corporation, Kaktovik Iñupiat Corporation, Nunamiut Corporation, Olgoonik Corporation, Tikigaq Corporation and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation.
Teresa Imm
Arctic Iñupiat Offshore