Energy flowed at this year’s Bering Strait Regional Energy Summit as community representatives from around the region gathered with Kawerak staff and energy stakeholders for a 2-day conference in Nome in May. The summit was organized by Kawerak’s Community Planning and Development Department (CPD), spearheaded by Director Amanda Toerdal and Energy Program Coordinator Kayla Bourdon.
This year’s summit included a facilitated brainstorming workshop along with presentations from energy grant entities. Regional representatives also had the opportunity to share about local energy projects they’ve experienced, discussing challenges and successes in their own communities.
Kayla Bourdon is new as Kawerak Energy Program Coordinator and used the summit as an opportunity to learn more about regional priorities and opportunities, and to connect with community members from across the region.
“My goals were to meet as many people in our region with an interest in energy and to hear what their current energy issues are and long-term goals are, to help form plans and partnerships,” she said.
Anna Oxereok attended the summit from Wales. She was interested to attend because of the high cost of fuel and groceries, realizing how energy ties all of these things together. She appreciated the gathering of community members from around the region. Anna said coming together and communicating about shared challenges and shared successes helped her to realize communities are not alone in dealing with these issues.
“I think with the group, like this, we can find solutions. We have to, because we have to try to make our communities better,” Anna said.
For a portion of the summit, attendees gathered and brainstormed energy priorities. Over the course of the afternoon, through discussion and prioritization, the group reflected on challenges and identified goals for the future. Finally, they narrowed down the brainstormed list to a group of eight regional energy priority focus areas. This list will be collected into the Regional Energy Plan to help guide community activities. The Energy Plan will also serve as a resource to direct Kawerak’s energy services and support for the near future.
Kawerak organized an official focus on energy issues in 2015 by establishing the Energy Program. The inaugural energy summit was held in 2019 with a follow up in 2020, though virtually, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Kawerak continues a strong focus on energy in the region and is committed to addressing energy needs and solutions in support of Bering Strait region communities.
CPD Director Amanda Toerdal said the importance of this work continues to grow. With the refreshed Regional Energy Plan, CPD has a lens to focus and guide energy program developments and priorities.
“This work is vital for moving forward with solutions to energy challenges and improving local energy capacity,” Amanda said.
Moving forward, the new Regional Energy Plan will be circulated back to community representatives for a final review and approval.
Keep up-to-date on regional energy projects and solutions through the Kawerak website: www.kawerak.org/cpd.
