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WALK TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
An Initiative of the Caribou Commons Project
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Biographies of Key Project Personnel
Norma Kassi — Gwich'in Trek Coordinator
Norma Kassi is a Gwich'in from Old Crow. In 1989, she was selected by Gwich'in Elders to be a spokesperson for her people. Norma is an eloquent speaker in English, although Gwich'in is her first language. She has traveled extensively to plead for the protection of the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd which is critical for Gwich'in culture. She has appeared before US congressional hearings and on network television. Norma is the co-chair of the Gwich'in Steering Committee. On April 22, 2002, Norma received the Goldman Prize, the highest-profile conservation award in the world.
Ken Madsen — Project Coordinator and Cross-Continent Walk Participant
Ken Madsen is an award-winning writer, photographer and conservationist. Ken was instrumental in the campaign to establish the Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Park. He has devoted the last five years to help protect the Arctic Refuge, including the extensive touring with the Caribou Commons multimedia slide show. He has also been the subject of the television documentary about the Arctic Refuge, Champions of the Wild, which has been shown numerous times on the Discovery Channel. In 2000, Ken was awarded the Northern Conservation Award in recognition of his work to protect the Arctic Refuge.
Book: Under the Arctic Sun: Gwich'in, Caribou, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge — Ken Madsen
Matthew Lien — Music Coordinator
Matthew Lien is a multi-platinum recording artist and producer. He has produced seven acclaimed albums, including Caribou Commons, the CD that is the musical background for the Caribou Commons multi-media presentations. Matthew has traveled extensively to interpret wilderness areas through music and sound design. In addition to this studio work, he is known for his powerful live performances for audiences of up to 30,000 people. Matthew has received a Taiwan Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. In 2002, he won a Canadian West Coast Music Award.
Music: www.matthewlien.com
Elaine Alexie — Gwich'in Community Project Coordinator
Elaine Alexie was raised in Fort McPherson, NWT and is a member of the Tetlit Gwich'in First Nation. She spent a great deal of time out on the land with her family when she was growing up, learning that the earth will be there for generations if we take care of it. She believes that the Arctic Refuge Campaign is critical for the future of the Gwich'in. She has participated in Gwich'in youth expeditions and traveled across the continent to speak about the Arctic Refuge. Elaine has also attended several international conferences where she met and worked with other organizations and youth leaders.
Timothy Leach — Northeast Trek Coordinator
Tim Leach is a 1999 graduate of Bates College. His travels have prompted him to research and defend conservation issues. In 1996, he helped with the reintroduction of the Mexican Wolf in Arizona. In 1998 he initiated an outdoor education and environmental stewardship program at Bates College. In 2001, Tim climbed on Denali and cycled 500 miles north to Prudhoe Bay. He returned to the East Coast convinced that the Arctic Refuge should be protected. In 2002, he lectured extensively and presented numerous slide shows.