The natural land in the Nome Census Area which has been a vital part of Indigenous heritage and sustenance for generations, is under threat from the proposed Graphite One Project. As a member of the Indigenous community, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact this project could have on the environment, animals, and cultural heritage.

For centuries, my ancestors have lived in harmony with this land, relying on it for subsistence hunting and maintaining a delicate ecological balance. The Graphite One Project threatens to disrupt this balance, potentially causing irreversible damage to the land, water, and wildlife that have sustained us for countless years.

Graphite One, a proposed mining project, plans to excavate graphite, a key mineral for battery production. While the demand for sustainable energy solutions is clear, the environmental cost and cultural ramifications of this project on our homeland are unacceptable. Mining will lead to destruction of habitats, pollution of waterways, and disruption of traditional subsistence practices.

We recognize the importance of progress, but not at the expense of our cultural heritage and natural resources. There are alternative solutions that can provide the graphite needed for technological advancements without causing such a detrimental impact on the Indigenous lands. Solutions such as adopting better environmental protections, exploring alternative sites with less cultural significance, or even investing in recycling technologies for graphite can all contribute to a more harmonious balance between advancement and preservation.

It is crucial for decision-makers to understand the broad and profound impacts this project will have on our community and the environment. The future of Nome Census Area must include the voices and wisdom of the Indigenous people who have stewarded these lands from time immemorial.

Join us in standing for our land, heritage, and future. Sign this petition to stop the Graphite One Project and protect our sacred and life-sustaining environment. Together, we can ensure that progress does not come at the cost of cultural and ecological integrity. Demand accountability and better solutions for a sustainable future. Please sign this petition and share with others to amplify our call for action.