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A proposed gold mine in southwest Alaska promises riches for investors and Alaska Native workers alike over nearly three decades. The open pit Donlin Gold Mine has the necessary federal permits in place. But several Alaska Native villages and environmental groups say the cost to retrieve the gold is too high, harming the health and livelihoods of the people who live there. A coalition of tribal and environmental groups are suing to halt the mine. Today on Native America Calling, we hear more about the history, economic promise, and potential threats to the people, wilderness, and wildlife the Donlin Gold Mine poses with Thom Leonard (Tribal member, Chevak Native Village), Calista Vice President of Corporate Affairs; Tisha Kuhns (Tribal member, Akiachak Native Community), Calista Vice President of Land and Natural Resources; Tom Waldo, senior advisor for Earthjustice and the tribes; Sophie Swope (Yup’ik), director of Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition; Council member and elder John Andrew (village of Kwethluk); and Organized Village of Kwethluk president Boris Epchook.
Break 1 music: Cauyaqa Nauwa (Where’s My Drum) (song) Pamyua (artist) Drums of The North: Traditional Yup’ik Songs (album)
Break 2 music: Heeia (song) Henry Kapono (artist) The Wild Hawaiian (album)
