Norma Kassi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norma Kassi
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| MLA for Old Crow | |
| In office 1985–1992 |
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| Preceded by | Kathie Nukon |
| Succeeded by | Johnny Abel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1954 Aklavik, Northwest Territories |
| Political party | Yukon New Democratic Party |
| Occupation | environmentalist |
Norma Kassi, born on April 10, 1954, is a respected leader from the Gwich'in community in the Yukon Territory, Canada. She has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and supporting her people. She is known for her work as a politician and an environmentalist.
Contents
A Leader for Her Community
Norma Kassi has held important roles in her community and in government. She was a member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, which is like the parliament for the Yukon. She represented the area of Old Crow from 1985 to 1992.
Serving as Chief
Later, in 2010, Norma Kassi was elected as the Chief of the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation. A First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Canada. As Chief, she helped lead her community and make important decisions for their future.
Protecting the Arctic Environment
Norma Kassi is also a well-known environmentalist. This means she works to protect nature and the planet. Her efforts have made a big difference, especially in the Arctic.
The Goldman Environmental Prize
In 2002, Norma Kassi received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. This award is given to people around the world who do amazing work to protect the environment. She shared the prize with two other leaders, Sarah James and Jonathon Solomon.
Why the Prize Was Awarded
They received the prize for their strong efforts to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). This is a very important natural area. There were plans to drill for oil and gas in ANWR. However, Norma Kassi and her colleagues fought against these plans.
The Porcupine Caribou
Their main concern was the Porcupine caribou herd. These caribou are a type of reindeer that live in the Arctic. They travel long distances each year. Oil and gas drilling would disturb their migration and their way of life.
Importance to the Gwich'in Culture
For over 20,000 years, the Porcupine caribou have been essential to the Gwich'in culture. The Gwich'in people rely on the caribou for food, clothing, and their traditions. Protecting the caribou means protecting the Gwich'in way of life. Norma Kassi's work helped ensure this vital connection continues.
See also
In Spanish: Norma Kassi para niños
