FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/26/2025

Anchorage, Alaska — The Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic (SILA) expresses deep disappointment in the recent decision to undo the cancellation of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic Refuge).

These leases were originally cancelled because there were serious legal problems with the prior administration’s leasing program—deficiencies that remain deeply concerning. While we recognize the decision is based on what the court concluded was a procedural error by the Biden administration, this ruling underscores the need for stronger mechanisms that prioritize environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.

Moreover, the justification for drilling—reducing dependence on foreign oil—is a misleading narrative. Historical evidence shows that such ventures yield limited benefits for Alaskans, with disproportionate advantages given to oil companies and jobs favoring non-residents. The pursuit of these leases serves primarily as a political relic rather than a pathway to genuine and sustainable economic progress.

“This decision disregards the fundamental human, Indigenous, and cultural rights of the Iñupiat people and other Indigenous communities whose lives and identities are intertwined with this land. The Arctic is not merely a resource to be exploited; it is a living, breathing entity that sustains our culture, our traditions, and our future.” Said Nauri Simmonds, SILA’s executive director. “We call on all who value justice, sustainability, and the rights of Indigenous peoples to join us in resisting this decision and advocating for a future that respects the land and its stewards.”

Contact:

Nauri Simmonds

Executive Director | Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic

Nauriaq@silainuat.org | 907-693-4832