HomeMy WebLinkAbout5 B BSNC President TimTowarak Support RenewablesIllll li' W-MF��
BERINq STRAITS NATIVE CORPORATION
September 25, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
As the President of the Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC), I have responsibilities
in leading the Corporation towards responsible development and carrying out the
following BSNC Mission Statement:
"To improve the quality of life of our people through economic development
while protecting our land and preserving our culture and heritage. "
Located at the northwestern section of Alaska, our region battles some of the most
challenging temperatures, wind and in general severe weather conditions, especially in
our eight months of winter. Heating fuel averages around $5.00 per gallon, forcing many
people to turn to burning wood or looking for other alternative sources of energy.
Because our natural way of life of living off of the land is disappearing, most of our
indigenous shareholders are turning to buying electricity, heating fuel and store bought
food. On the other hand, jobs are hard to find and many people are moving to central
communities where there are more jobs. The downside to moving to central communities
has been cultural loss as well as cultural shock.
As President I have tasked Vice President Jerald Brown to research alternative energy
sources. We were elated to know there are funds and grants available to meet this goal.
Mr. Brown has the support of our 15 person Board in seeking funds to assist our
shareholders and descendants in finding lower cost alternative energy sources.
Our regional corporation represents 17 villages and over 6,300 shareholders, which live
below the poverty level. These people are not our only targeted beneficiaries, but would
include all residents who live within our boundaries. Profits would be generated to go
towards dividends to those shareholders who don't benefit directly from the alternative
energy project.
Thank you very much for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Tim Towarak
President/CEO
P.O. Box 1008 • Nome, Alaska 99762 • (907) 443-5252 • FAX (907) 443-2985