The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in the community of Old Crow in Canada’s northwestern Yukon territory is giving its leaders a clear and unequivocal message on hydraulic fracturing, a method used in oil and gas exploration and extraction.
Vuntut Gwitchin citizens have voted on a resolution at their annual general assembly, saying hydraulic fracturing — or ‘fracking’ — will not be welcome within their traditional territory.
“That essentially gave us the direction to oppose fracking within our traditional territory until it can be proven to be 100 per cent safe as relates to drinking water and other issues,” said Chief Joe Linklater.
Earlier this month, the Council of Yukon First Nations said it opposes hydraulic fracturing. This year’s general assembly passed a resolution which declares traditional territories to be ‘frack free’.
The resolution was brought forward by the Na-cho Nyak Dun First Nation, and passed unanimously. It calls on the Yukon government to prohibit fracking.
This story is posted on Alaska Dispatch as part of Eye on the Arctic, a collaborative partnership between public and private circumpolar media organizations.
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