On April 23, 2013, the Arctic Athabaskan Council filed a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, asking the Commission to declare that Canada is undermining the human rights of Athabaskan peoples by poorly regulating emissions of black carbon, or soot, a short-lived climate pollutant which contributes significantly to Arctic warming and melting. Readily available emissions reduction measures could substantially slow Arctic warming and melting and protect Athabaskan rights.

This telepress conference features Grand Chief Ruth Massie of the Arctic Athabaskan Council, which represents Athabaskan peoples in Canada and Alaska. Earthjustice’s Erika Rosenthal, along with Hugh Wilkins of Ecojustice of Canada are representing the Arctic Athabaskan Council.