STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF REDOIL

In June 2002, a group of Alaska Natives came together in Cordova to share knowledge, experience and strategies for addressing the detrimental impacts of oil and gas development in Alaska. The following principles have been agreed upon by the participants of that gathering who have formed a new network, Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands or REDOIL. REDOIL network is supported by the Indigenous Environmental Network and Project Underground through the Indigenous Mining Campaign Project.

PRINCIPLES

We adhere to the inherent right to self-determination for all indigenous peoples.

We reject the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act as an illegitimate infringement on our right to sovereignty and self-determination.

We are committed to a moratorium on all new exploration for oil, gas and coal as a first step towards the full phase-out of fossil fuels with a just transition to sustainable jobs, energy and environment. We take this position based on our concern over the disproportionate social, cultural, spiritual, environmental, and climate impacts on indigenous peoples, particularly in Alaska.

We are committed to creating sustainable economic solutions for our communities.

We are committed to upholding and promoting the integrity of our traditional cultures and values.

We are committed to an intergenerational approach, which honors the wisdom and guidance of our elders and that values the role of our youth.

We are committed to standing in solidarity with the members of this network and their struggles for self-determination and a sustainable future for the seventh generation to come.

All decisions of and direction for the network will come from the indigenous members from impacted communities. Non-indigenous supporters will be included at the prerogative of the decision-making members.

New members will be added to the network by consensus of the group based on adherence to our principles.

We welcome individuals and legitimate, empowered representatives of communities and organizations that accept and adhere to the principles.

REDOIL is honored to share, reach out and network with Indigenous peoples who want to defend their inherent way of life. We believe that the working group has the potential to bring these critical issues to a head and address them with honor, science, and spirituality and to help build an alliance where our collective voice will be louder than broken promises.