46% of the remaining global abundance of wild sockeye salmon comes from one source – Bristol Bay, Alaska (National Geographic).  Unbelievably, this pristine ecosystem, the fishing industry that thrives there and the society of Alaskan Natives that have lived there for over 10,000 years are threatened with environmental destruction by a proposed “open pit” copper and gold mine.  

For three years we have been organizing musicians to use their music and their access to fans and media to spread the word about the struggle to protect Bristol Bay Alaska from being destroyed by the proposed Pebble Mine.

Our Musicians United Across the Generations Project  honors and encourages the contributions that musicians from 10-25 years old are making to the movement to protect Bristol Bay through an Alaska-wide songwriting contest.

Contestants can compete in either the General or the Alaska Native category.  The first, second and third prize winners in each category will receive cash awards of $250, $125 and $75.  In addition to the cash prize, the two first place songs will each have a video made; the songs and the videos will be posted on the Musicians United webpage and promoted on YouTube

Because of several recent court victories for opponents of the mine, many think the issue has been settled.  Through the songwriting contest, we will 1) sound the alarm for continued vigilance and action; 2) encourage and activate younger people to get involved; 3) diversify and grow our music base and audience,  spreading the word to more people.