by Glenn Taylor
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Nov 28/97) - A Seattle man who wandered into Old Crow, Yukon, 10 years ago has become the frontman for the Gwich'in in the fight to block oil development in Alaska's 1002 lands.

Lenny Kohm flew to Old Crow in 1987 on a photo assignment for an American magazine. Kohm was a photographer then, not an environmental activist.

But Kohm fell in love with the country and the people, and "I broke the cardinal rule ... I lost my objectivity. All of a sudden, part of the story for me became the involvement of the Gwich'in people in their fight against oil development."

Kohm gave his 1,363rd slide presentation on the issue in Inuvik, last week. Since 1988, he's been travelling across North America, giving slide shows to civic groups and environmentalists, trying to win their support to block 1002 oil development.

"I've spoken to well over 100,000 people directly," said Kohm, who appeared exhausted after months on the road. "But it's a very personal thing with me now," he said. "These people are my friends."

The 1002 lands have become the hottest environmental issue on this continent. Located on the western border of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, this 600,000-hectare coastal plain is the calving ground for the Porcupine caribou, and considered by some to be "the heart of the Arctic refuge."

But many geologists believe 1002 could hold North America's last potential giant oil discovery. Some estimates put reserves beneath 1002 at 10 billion barrels, rivalling Prudhoe Bay just next door. Pro-developers argue that only 800 hectares of the refuge would be needed for development.

Further, they argue that the caribou would not be harmed, as rising herd populations around the Prudhoe Bay development suggest.

Kohm said the issue is really about "doing the right thing," or simply opening the door for oil companies to reap billions more in profits.

"We won't compromise," said Kohm. "It's a passion that no amount of money can buy. The other side is for sale, but you can't buy our side."

It's been a hard fight. Some years ago, the pro-development forces appear to be winning the war. This year seems to be smiling on the Gwich'in, however.

The Morris K. Udall Wilderness Act of 1997 -- to designate the 1002 lands as a protected wilderness area -- was introduced into the American House of Representatives this year. So far, 128 members have signed the bill.

"I wouldn't be so bold to say we've won yet," said Kohm. But he's confident the Gwich'in and the anti-development forces will win this fight.

Kohm also gave advice to local Gwich'in on how to effectively lobby U.S. members of Congress.

Since the late 1980s, Gwich'in from the NWT to Alaska have been visiting Washington and other strategic centres to gain support in their fight to kill development.