In the first episode of the No Denying It climate action podcast series, actor Ezra Miller introduces Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Canada, who is helping Arctic communities to become more sustainable.
'If solar power works in the Arctic, what excuse do city folks have?'
That’s the question posed in Old Crow, home of the Yukon’s new solar installation project, which, when complete, will allow the community to stop burning nearly 200,000 litres of diesel fuel annually.
The initiative is being shepherded by Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, the elected chief of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, based in Old Crow, a community of around 300 in Canada, which can only be accessed by air.
We talked to Chief Tizya-Tramm about making climate decisions that honor generations past, present, and future; and the solutions that our nations have access to right now ... if we’re only courageous enough to choose them.
Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm
Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm is the elected chief of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation based in Old Crow, a fly-in community of around 300.
Old Crow flies in diesel for electricity but are now building what they believe will become the largest solar installation in the Arctic. It will supply a quarter of the community's needs, displacing nearly 200,000 litres of diesel fuel annually.
Tizya-Tramm is involved in sharing strategies and advocacy efforts across Arctic communities, and wants to convey that if a remote community like Old Crow can go sustainable, city folks have no excuse. Dana inspires us to not be afraid to commit to a big idea, and urges us to consider how our consumption and actions have far reaching climate effects.
Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller is an American actor best known for starring in the Fantastic Beasts films, spin-offs of J.K. Rowling’s hit Harry Potter fantasy novel series and the forthcoming Flash.
The 28-year-old, who is also a classically-trained opera singer, got their first leading role in the film Afterschool in 2008, and rose in fame with their portrayal of a teenage murderer in We Need to Talk about Kevin three years later.
Ezra also made an appearance in the drama, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and actively performs in their band, Sons of an Illustrious Father. In 2013 they completed a 10-day trek to campaign against fossil fuel exploitation in the Arctic, and have joined protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.