The guest Assembly members from Barrow were Molly Pederson, Michael Aamodt, Charlotte Brower, Charles Hopson and Ray Koonuk, Sr.The meeting took place at the Alaska Technical Center library.

The major action items for review included our Joint Borough Action Plan, the Summit 2002 Budget and the theme for that Summit, "Preserving Values in Changing Times."

Our proposed Joint Action Plan includes the following proposals:

1) develop policies to incorporate the use of Traditional Knowledge to mitigate the impact of economic development projects;

2) establish a formal stakeholder process to provide information that will ensure a public process for local residents affected by projects;

3) conduct an analysis study to identify the skills that are needed to support anticipated economic development. Identify the resources and strengths that local entities will bring to any economic development effort;

4) form a collaborative effort between industry, agencies and educational facilities to look at options;

5) the hire of a consultant to determine how to lower the cost of fuel for residents of both boroughs;

6) continue efforts to generate support for the opening of ANWR for oil and gas development;

7) identify appropriate studies that need to be conducted to determine the effects of the DeLong Mountain Project and Western Arctic Coal Project on the economy and resources of the region;

8) and ongoing support for the Alaska Gas Pipeline Port Authority and its role in developing Alaska natural gas and a southern gas pipeline route.

Our guests were entertained at a dinner at the National Guard Armory on the evening of the 26th. The crowd of almost 100 ate sheefish, watched a large group of our Native dancers, and listened to the singing of Kathy Ward and Toni Evak, who is working for the Borough as Public Services Coordinator.

The 2002 Arctic Summit will be held in Kotzebue this year, on September 25, 26 and 27. We look forward to lots of public participation in both the work sessions and evening social events.