The Council’s longest-serving member of its Board of Directors has retired from her service to the Council. At its meeting on May 5, the Council passed a unanimous resolution honoring Andersen Faulkner. The full text is below.
Resolution 22-01: Commending and Expressing Gratitude for Patience Andersen Faulkner’s Dedication and Service to the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council and in Alaska
WHEREAS, during the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Patience Andersen Faulkner served as a paralegal assisting fishermen in Cordova, Alaska, to successfully process claims for damages, as well as supporting community members as they grappled with the aftermath of the spill; and,
WHEREAS, on December 3, 1998, Faulkner was seated on the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council Board of Directors, representing the Cordova District Fishermen United, making her the Council’s longest-serving Director, with a stellar attendance record, having made 114 Board meetings; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner’s pioneering work with Dr. Steve Picou documenting the profound human health and societal impacts of oil spills has been recognized and accepted by federal regulators and the President’s Oil Spill Commission, and is now recommended for the list of damages that responsible parties must legally acknowledge and attempt to address in the wake of a large oil spill; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner was instrumental in one of the Council’s earliest and most successful projects, “Coping with Technological Disasters – A User Friendly Guidebook,” which stemmed from her work with Picou, and she has continued to contribute to the Guidebook, most recently in a complete revision in 2020; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner and Picou led work to develop the Council’s Peer Listening Program to train local residents to provide peer support in disaster-impacted communities; and,
WHEREAS, after the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Faulkner was sought out, made trips to the Gulf of Mexico to visit affected people – speaking to packed community halls, and in Alaska hosted groups from the Gulf seeking information and guidance; and
WHEREAS, Faulkner was instrumental in promoting federal legislation, signed into law in 2010, that ensures two escort tugs accompany each loaded oil tanker through Prince William Sound, establishing one of the most significant programs in place to prevent oil spills; and,
WHEREAS, during her tenure with the Council, Faulkner served as president of the Board from 2007-2009, as well as other elected officer positions on the Executive Committee at various times, and has served on a number of Board and technical committees; and,
WHEREAS, as a traditional instructor of Alaska Native crafts, community leader, and tribal elder, Faulkner has taken on many roles and contributed her knowledge at regional, national, and even international events, including presenting at Rutgers University and speaking for the 25th anniversary of the Amoco Cadiz oil spill in France; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner has been an advocate for youth engagement in environmental stewardship, including supporting the initiation of and continuing work for the Council’s Youth Involvement project, now in its 15th successful year, and her efforts have contributed to new generations of youth who are connected to the importance of citizen oversight; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner works tirelessly to learn from, teach, and support others, using her lifelong study of the art of conversation, “social butterfly” skills, thoughtful commentary, and humor to connect with people of all ages and walks-of-life; and
WHEREAS, Faulkner is a strong leader, recognized throughout Alaska and across the nation including as a 2012 recipient of the Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award, who has been a tireless proponent of environmental and cultural stewardship; and,
WHEREAS, most who have worked with Faulkner will attest that their lives have been enhanced through her leadership, teachings, and friendship; and,
WHEREAS, Faulkner has announced her retirement from the Board of Directors.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council commends and expresses gratitude to Patience Andersen Faulkner for her many years of dedication to teaching, community support, and the safe transportation of crude oil throughout our region, and for her 24 years of service as a member of its Board of Directors; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council’s staff and volunteers will greatly miss Patience Andersen Faulkner’s guidance, teachings, friendship, and knowledge, and wish her the very best.