Celebrating Chris's Whale

Chris Apassingok is a 16 year-old high school student in the Village of Gambell, Alaska. Gambell is located on St. Lawrence Island 250 West of Nome.

In such an isolated environment, the people of St. Lawrence Island have been depending on the animals of the land and sea for sustenance. There is a store run by ANICA and another locally owned business. These 2 franchises provide groceries and everyday essentials. Due to inclement weather and high costs of shipping, these 2 stores are not always stocked. The cost of living in rural Alaska is a lot higher than metro areas.
For centuries, our people have been hunting whales and when one is struck, it is cause for celebration. The first whale of the season is shared amongst the entire community and stocks most peoples’ freezers. This food is highly nutritional and lasts a lot longer than food bought from the store.
Our people go out into the Bering Sea during the spring and catch whales. This is what is taught to the generation that comes after us. It is a way of living.
Chris has been brought up in a traditional lifestyle and provides food for the entire community and the surrounding communities. Recently he has brought home a 57-foot whale.
In this event, Chris, a 16 year old, child has been under fire by a group of people forcing their beliefs upon everyone around them.
There have been many unpleasant things said by one individual, Paul Watson. He opened by calling Chris a murdering bastard. Later on, he commented on how to find Chris through social media for others to attack. He has shared his photo and said this is where you find him and know that it’s him.
Chris a child with a heart of gold, has received numerous hate messages inspired by Paul Watson. He does not deserve this type of treatment for providing for his family, his community, those that cannot provide for themselves.
We are going to pursue legal action. I invite you to take part in finding justice for Chris.

Thank you for reading