Iñupiat leader Caroline Cannon fights to protect the Arctic from drilling

Each week, One Earth is proud to feature a Climate Hero from around the globe who is working to create a world where humanity and nature can thrive together.

In the heart of the Arctic Circle, where the Chukchi Sea meets the land, lies Point Hope, Alaska. It's considered to be one of the oldest inhabited communities in North America and echoes the wisdom of its Iñupiat ancestors. 

For this village of 700 people, the sea is not just a provider; it's a lifeline, a source of clothing, shelter, and sustenance passed down through generations. Here, Caroline Cannon grew up and became a global environmental leader.

Living in harmony with Nature

Cannon's father, a skilled captain, navigated the icy waters, bringing home the bounty of the bowhead whale. The Iñupiat’s dependence on marine life is more than a cultural tradition; it's their survival strategy and one that is taught with reverence to Nature.

Recognized by the elders for understanding this connection at an early age, Cannon inherited not just a way of life but a responsibility—a duty to protect the delicate balance of their shared ecosystem.

A looming threat to the environment

In 2007, as global gas prices surged, oil companies set their sights on the untapped reserves surrounding Point Hope. The federal government, in agreement, unveiled plans for offshore oil and gas leases, casting a looming shadow over this pristine Arctic enclave. It was a threat Cannon couldn't ignore.

Defending her land and people

Armed with a deep understanding of her home's fragility, Cannon took her fight to the forefront on Capitol Hill. She knew that one oil spill could ruin the entire ecosystem in her village. 

No protocols are in place to deal with such environmental catastrophes in an ocean that is frozen half of the year. Any mishap of this kind would desecrate the biodiversity of the local environment and destroy the Iñupiat’s way of life.

An odyssey for justice

Traveling to Washington, DC, hundreds of times, Cannon pleaded her case at industry meetings and federal summits. Sharing her knowledge of the Arctic marine environment, she painted pictures of life in the region for others to empathize with and understand. She became the voice for the Iñupiat people in a federal lawsuit challenging offshore oil and gas development plans.

Victory for the Iñupiat and the Arctic’s biodiversity

In court, Cannon was instrumental in bringing the case to victory. A federal judge ruled in her favor because the oil and gas leases had not adequately considered the potentially disastrous impacts on the marine ecosystem. It was a win for both the Iñupiat people and the global climate activist community.

Recognized by the global community

Motivated by the future of her 26 grandchildren, Cannon continues speaking for Indigenous rights. She was recognized for her work when awarded the 2012 Goldman Prize, honoring grassroots environmental activists. Her mission is also the focus of the short documentary The Arctic Garden.

A climate solution at work

Cannon’s fight against offshore drilling is not just a local triumph but a global climate solution. By safeguarding Point Hope's delicate ecosystem, she sets a precedent for responsible environmental stewardship.

Her victory challenges the world to prioritize sustainable practices over short-term gains. It is a reminder that, in the face of adversity, one person's unwavering commitment can alter the course of environmental history.