Love Is King’s Operation ROAM 2025 was a powerful expedition to the Arctic Circle, where a select group of BIPOC leaders connected with the Gwich’in Nation in Arctic Village. This journey was not just about exploration—it was about cultural exchange, advocacy, and elevating Indigenous voices in the fight for environmental justice.
A key force behind the success of Operation ROAM 2025 was the curation team from Open Signal, led by Courtney Rae and the team Tallon Jackson, Johnny Subia, Golden, Simon S. Sotelo and Zoe Gamell. Courtney curated an extraordinary group of alumni cohorts representing Open Signal— creative and inspiring storytellers/filmmaker individuals who brought their creative expertise and commitment to storytelling to the Arctic Village. Under the guidance of Love Is King founder Chad Brown, along with board members Matt McClean and Aiyesha Christian, the Open Signal cohort crafted a compelling advocacy reel. This project was designed to support the Gwich’in Tribal Council – Arctic Village, Open Signal, and Love Is King, raising awareness and strengthening advocacy for the Arctic Wildlife Refuge and the Gwich’in Nation.
To guide the cohort team, Chad Brown established a creative mission, crafting a detailed creative brief as a framework for their work. This served as a crucial guideline in developing a powerful advocacy film reel, designed to elevate the voices of the Gwich’in Nation. This storytelling initiative was crafted with a multifaceted purpose:
Through the lens of film, media, and storytelling, the team worked collaboratively to capture the essence of the Gwich’in Nation’s struggles, resilience, and deep-rooted culture.
During their time in Arctic Village, the team had the privilege of learning from Gwich’in elders and community leaders, diving deep into the rich traditions and political challenges of the region. They engaged directly with the Gwich’in Tribal Council, gaining firsthand insight into the struggles the community faces—particularly amid the ongoing political climate. Open Signal’s team demonstrated remarkable professionalism, creativity, and adaptability, fully immersing themselves in the Gwich’in Nation’s culture. Their work will serve as a crucial tool for advocacy and awareness.
Building on the success of Operation ROAM 2025, Love Is King is partnering with the Alaska Wilderness League to launch a counterpart initiative for the 2026 cohort. This next phase will bridge the experiences and leadership of Love Is King’s teams into Washington, D.C., where they will share their firsthand experiences and advocate for the Gwich’in Nation and the protection of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. By taking their insights and advocacy efforts to the national stage, these leaders will amplify the voices of Indigenous communities and reinforce the urgency of environmental justice. The collaboration with the Alaska Wilderness League marks a significant step in ensuring that the stories and struggles of the Arctic Village community reach policymakers and the broader public.
The journey was a resounding success. The Open Signal team left Arctic Village with lasting impressions, strengthened relationships, and an unparalleled understanding of the Gwich’in Nation’s fight for justice. Their collaboration with Love Is King reaffirmed the power of storytelling and community-driven activism. Operation ROAM 2025 was more than an expedition—it was a movement. Through shared experiences, strategic partnerships, and creative advocacy, Love Is King and Open Signal continue to push forward in their commitment to environmental justice, cultural preservation, and equity-driven storytelling. As they prepare for Operation ROAM 2026, Love Is King and the Alaska Wilderness League are ready to bring the voices of Arctic Village to Washington, D.C., ensuring that the fight for the Arctic Wildlife Refuge remains at the forefront of national discussions.
