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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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Description of Events and Rallies
The Walk
to Washington, DC will encourage mass participation. Through the media
and our contacts with local and national organizations, we will invite
Americans to walk or cycle with us for a few miles into their local communities,
or farther if so desired. We anticipate that large numbers of people will
join us, and envision that our human migration will "snowball"
as we travel across the country. People will be able to demonstrate with
their own two feet that they support protection of the Arctic Refuge and
are in favor of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. Each of our
mass-participation Walks will end at a special events or rally as we move
across the nation. The opening event of the Walk to Washington DC will
be in Seattle on August 23rd*. A large rally will be organized for the
meeting of the different legs of the Walk in Washington DC in November.
*Westlake Park, 12:00 noon
A highlight of these events will be presentations by Gwich'in speakers who are fighting for the survival of their culture. Walk to Washington DC board member Norma Kassi will speak in Seattle and at other important events across the country, including the final event in Washington DC on November 16th. Norma is a powerful spokesperson for the Gwich'in and the Arctic environment. On April 22, 2002, she received the Goldman Prize at the San Francisco Opera House. The Goldman Prize is the most respected environmental award in the world and is presented each year to an environmental hero from each continent.
The opening event in Seattle will feature music by award-winnning environmental musician Matthew Lien. Matthew's music is multi-platinum internationally, and captures the essence of endangered environments from the mountains of Asia to the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. During numerous treks through the Arctic Refuge and the winter range of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Matthew has gathered extensive recordings of natural sounds which he weaves like an instrument through his music and into the hearts of audiences. Debuting the arctic anthem, "Heart of the Refuge" and other music from his new CD, "Arctic Refuge," Matthew will be accompanied by a 30-piece choir and the stunning photographic projection of Ken Madsen.
Norma Kassi and Matthew Lien will be featured at other events during the tour, including the important culminating event in Washington, DC on November 16th.