By Stephanie Maltarich

Editors note: Camas is a magazine founded by graduate students from University of Montana’s Environmental Studies program (EVST). Though not all students who are enrolled in the program are involved with Camas, there is significant crossover between EVST alumni and their work in writing, storytelling and advocacy.

The Chilkat River from Paradise Cove Photo: Shannon Donahue — The Chilkat River from Paradise Cove *Photo: Shannon Donahue*

Like others in her home community of Haines, Alaska, University of Montana alum Shannon Donahue was alarmed by the proposal to construct a mine that could damage the health of the nearby Chilkat River. Looking for ways to spread the story and incite action, she happened upon an announcement from a fellow alumni of her environmental studies program, Tim Gibbins, who had recently accepted a job as a digital editor at Patagonia.

She reached out to ask if there was anything he could do to help bring awareness about the proposed mine and its threat to Haines and the nearby community of Klukwan. His new job involved editing stories for Patagonia’s web publication The Cleanest Line along with other digital content for a company that is known for being an outspoken advocate on environmental issues. The pair teamed up, and together began crafting a story that would call attention to the proposed Constantine-Palmer mine and the possible danger it presented to the rivers and waterways of Donahue's home.

*Shannon Donahue: Chilkat Watershed organizer & EVST alum*

Since June of 2018, Shannon worked urgently to bring attention to the proposed mine as the Chilkat Watershed organizer for the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC). The Palmer Project, a sulfide mining operation, will likely cause acid mine drainage and additional leaching of heavy metals into the watershed. The Chilkat is one of the top coho and sockeye salmon runs in Southeast Alaska, and the regional economy depends on the river and its salmon. The Palmer Project threatens the health of the river, water quality, salmon runs and communities.

Tim thought this underplayed and pertinent story was important to bring to the table at Patagonia. He saw it as an opportunity to put a speakerphone to the issue. As with most writing projects, it took some time. The story was on hold until Shannon followed up with urgent news that the mining company announced it would begin digging a tunnel that would open up the potential for acid mine drainage in the watershed. Tim decided Patagonia’s action on the issue was urgent, and he received the go ahead to write and publish the story.

It was important to Tim to craft the story as an interview through the words of a Chilkat Tlingit couple who are members of the indigenous tribe native to the village of Klukwan. The village is located 22 miles north of Haines at the confluence of the Tsirku and Chilkat rivers. The couple, Jones and Lani Hotch, are deeply imbedded in the community. Jones is the vice-president of the Chilkat Indian Village, the tribal government of Klukwan, and his wife Lani is an expert Chilkat weaver. Tim knew a personal story through their words would bring a different and refreshing perspective to the story. He was thankful to learn about their lifestyle, which he noted is much different than most of us experience today.

*Tim Gibbins: Digital editor at Patagonia, EVST alum, Former Camas editor*

The story, The Chilkat’s Fight Against the Palmer Project, was published on The Cleanest Line in September. It details the threats the Palmer Project would have on the headwaters of the Chilkat River. The interviews expose the deep and rich history of the Chillkat Tlingit who have lived on the land for over 2,000 years. The connections between salmon, the Chilkat River and the native community are the essence of the story.

Shannon is grateful to her connection with Tim and his willingness to take on this project. “The story really helped raise the profile of the Chilkat Watershed and the Palmer Mine, and Patagonia helped to amplify the reach of the action items on our website surrounding the campaign,” she said.

Shannon also said the successes go beyond awareness. Lack of funding forced the Constantine-Palmer mine to wrap up their season early, so they weren’t able to start digging the tunnel. Additionally, the State of Alaska remanded the project’s waste management permit for review, which Shannon noted was a big win for conservation communities.

Both Shannon and Tim agree that their time in EVST created a foundation for the work they do today. Tim appreciates the exposure he had to talented writers and authors as the editor of Camas, and he is quick to add that Shannon is one of those people. Shannon found value in the variety of courses: from nonprofit management to transboundary wildlife issues. “I’m not joking when I say EVST taught me everything I need to know about running a nonprofit,” she said. The balance of policy, science, and creative storytelling provided a toolbox to take on complex environmental issues. In addition to SEACC, she works on bear conservation as the executive director of Great Bear Foundation.

Tim and Shannon both see the value in storytelling surrounding conservation issues. Tim believes stories like the Chilkat River are, “fundamental to how we communicate with each other, and how we understand the world.” Shannon believes humanizing environmental issues will make people care. “People are social and empathetic by nature--we care about each other. I can read all day about the impacts of a proposed mine, and I might understand the problems intellectually, but when we are introduced by very real people facing these impacts, the issue goes from an abstract academic problem to a tangible threat to real people I can identify with,” she said.

Perhaps Shannon and Tim will collaborate on more important issues in the future. Until then, they will continue their work in bringing voice to issues and communities that need support. Shannon emphasized the need for story when it comes to fighting for environmental causes. “Environmental writing and storytelling are absolutely crucial to conservation, at this time, and all the time.”

You can help support the fight buy visiting SEACC to protect the Chilkat Watershed