WECAN is taking the next steps to protect the Tongass Rainforest in Alaska.

Today, Earthjustice and co-counsel Natural Resources Defense Council filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of several Alaska Native Tribes, Southeast Alaska small businesses, and conservation organizations. The lawsuit targets the Trump Administration's recent decision in October to rollback 2001 National Roadless Rule protections in the Tongass, opening up over 9 million acres of previously protected forest lands to logging, roadbuilding, and further development.

The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) is joining the lawsuit, following years of advocacy to protect the Tongass. WECAN representatives joining the lawsuit include Indigenous women leaders who live in the Tongass and have been advocating for the protection of their forest homelands for decades, and WECAN’s Executive Director. Please learn more in the full press release here.

The Guardian broke the news just moment ago.

Kashudoha Wanda Loescher Culp (Tlingit) WECAN Tongass Coordinator is quoted:

“My name is Kashudoha Wanda Loescher Culp; I am Tlingit, Indigenous to the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, a hunter, fisher and gatherer of Nature’s gifts. I am also the Tongass Coordinator for WECAN International, speaking out against the disproportionately negative effects on my community caused by corporate industrial dominance over state and federal governing to accommodate industry's mass taking of natural and public resources on Indigenous lands. The Trump Administration’s final decision to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule is an underhanded misuse of congressional authority and the battle will go on -- full court press. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened eyes to the filthy effects industry has on our lives and all living things. When “the people” become invested, communities have the power and the say to control threatened environments and economies in our midst. We will continue to rise in defense of our homelands. All Indigenous voices from the Tongass must be heard, and around the world Indigenous peoples must be included at the decision-making table when building the solutions to everyone's very survival.” Kashudoha Wanda Loescher Culp, Tlingit, activist, and WECAN Tongass Coordinator 

“My name is Rebekah Sawers, I am Yupik and my family is from Hooper Bay, Alaska. I am speaking on behalf of most Alaskans when I say that the Roadless Rule should not have been repealed. Currently the Roadless Rule has been in place for 20 years, protecting the trees from mass logging, and allowing the forest to heal. It is important that this land stays wild and free. I am speaking out not only on behalf of my daughter, but I am fighting for all the other 70,000 brothers, sisters, grandfathers and grandmothers who live in the Tongass. I will say it loud and proud that we are protecting our forest and we must say it, write it, email it, and share it, to our senators and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue. We need to make it known what they are doing is wrong and keep them accountable! We Can!” Rebekah Sawers, Yupik, student and WECAN Tongass Representative 

“I am an Indigenous women of the Tlingit Nation of the L’uknaxh.ádi, the Coho Salmon Clan under the Raven moiety from the Frog House. I am deeply rooted to this land for thousands of generations as a steward of this land. We have been here since time immemorial our elders say, and I follow the footsteps of my ancestors. In the Tongass, there are innumerable fish and game populations, and unparalleled recreational and business opportunities. Fishing and tourism are billion dollar industries, which Southeast Alaska economies are based upon. Removing the Roadless Rule in the Tongass affects our cultural and Indigenous rights to protect Haa Aani, Our Homeland. I am a strong Tlingit woman standing with the Tongass, speaking for the Aas Kwaani, the Tree People, and I will continue to fight for the Tongass despite the government's decision to side with industry over people. This is our way of life to fight for our Indigenous rights as Human Beings that live by the Forest and Tide, the Tlingit.” Kari Ames, Tlingit, Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide, WECAN Tongass Representative

“The decision by the Trump Administration to open up the Tongass to further industrial scale logging and development will accelerate the climate crisis and perpetuate genocidal policies by impacting the livelihoods, cultural practices and sovereignty of Indigenous communities living in their traditional forest homelands. Time after time, we see overwhelming public support for the Roadless Rule and protection of the Tongass and national forests, yet the Trump Administration has made it clear they are not working on behalf of the people but only corporate interests. It is critical that we stand with Indigenous forest protectors, and ensure a livable climate and planet for all future generations.” Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director, Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)

Please stay tuned for updates as we continue to apply pressure in the courthouse, on the streets and in the halls of government! Thank you for your continued support of WECAN's ongoing campaigns, including in the Tongass. We will continue to fight and advocate for a just and healthy world.