On Air Now Vuntat Njiik Nakaii - Gwitchin Language Radio Show Noon - 3:00pm
Now Playing hosted by legendary Ben "Chuck" Charlie Vuntat Njiik Nakaii
Listen Live

Vuntut Gwitchin elder wins Glen Davis Conservation Leadership Prize

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 13:46

Lorraine Netro (wwf.ca)

Lorraine Netro has been making contributions to conservation for 22 years.

Vuntut Gwitchin elder Lorraine Netro, has won this year’s Glen Davis Conservation Leadership Prize.

 

Since 1999, Netro has dedicated herself to protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd, which migrate between Canada and Alaska every year. As part of her work, Netro has advocated against oil development within the Arctic Refuge.

 

She also served two terms as MLA for the Vuntut Gwitchin, with shadow cabinet roles for the environment, women and justice. She is a board member for both the Gwitchin Steering Committee and Alaska Wilderness League and sits on the Advisory Committee on Climate Action and the Environment for the Assembly of First Nations.

 

Netro says “As a Gwitchin, it is our belief that we do not accept honorable recognition for ourselves.  I will accept this award on behalf of my family, community, our nation, for all those who came before me and those who will come after me, and those who walk with us to protect our sacred lands, the animals and waters.”

 

The prize has been a 5-year joint project between WWF-Canada and The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. It was first established in 2017 to honour conservation efforts made by philanthropist Glen Davis. This is the final year that the prize will be awarded.

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News