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Native America Calling: Iñupiaq leaders weigh their economic future and oil drilling in the Arctic
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Iñupiaq leaders weigh their economic future and oil drilling in the Arctic
President Donald Trump is pushing for more oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic, a decision directly impacting Iñupiaq communities.
Millions of acres in the National Petroleum Reserve were opened for oil and gas leasing and the administration’s reversal of Biden-era protections has the potential to open up the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for leasing and drilling. Some Iñupiaq communities welcome the potential for more oil drilling that promises to boost revenue and jobs for shareholders.
Still, others worry about the environment and their ability to carry on subsistence lifestyles. Tune in to get perspectives from Iñupiaq leaders about the future of economic development in the Arctic as Native America Calling broadcasts live from the 2026 Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage, Alaska.
Guests on Native America Calling
Asisaun Toovak (Iñupiaq), mayor of Utqiagvik, on the North Slope in Alaska
Pearl Brower (Iñupiaq), president and CEO of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, an Alaska Native village corporation
Nagruk Harcharek (Iñupiaq), president of The Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat (VOICE)
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