We would like to recognize and thank the tremendous contribution and effort that this community made in supporting our family during the recent Shell Canadian Geographic Energy Diet Challenge.
We felt honoured to be representing the North in this challenge because we firmly believe that Yukoners have a bond with the natural environment that instinctively leads us to want to conserve, protect and preserve it.
We felt that northerners not only had a message to share with the rest of Canada about this value, but also have unique perspectives, ideas and challenges, are innovative and can be part of the solution to energy conservation, sustainability and wise use of our natural resources.
During the challenge, we found that day-to-day household energy conservation issues easily engaged people in a dialogue because it is something we can all relate to.
Our journey through this challenge took us to many new “places” as we engaged with other families, friends, strangers, experts and organizations in these conversations.
We would like to especially recognize and thank the Yukon Energy Corporation and the Energy Solutions Centre for their professional knowledge and advice; the local media for the outstanding coverage; our schools for their participation; our workplace staff for ongoing engagement; the Whitehorse United Church; the individual contributions of Nicole Edwards, Wayne Good, Janet Patterson and John Farynowski (from Kluanefinders); members of Kwanlin Dun First Nation and all the members of our community who took time to follow our efforts on the Energy Diet Challenge website and who showed their support for us by taking the time to read our blogs, watch our videos and vote.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank Shell Canada and Canadian Geographic for putting on a first-class event.
Finally, we want to publicly recognize each of the other five Canadian families who participated in this challenge and the tremendous contribution each of them has made over the past three months.
It was a journey we are honoured to have shared with you all.
The Kitchen-Kuiack family (Brian, Marguerite, Simone and Marika)
Marsh Lake