Akiak without power for daysDonations accepted for community

Community volunteers Mike Williams Jr. (at right) and his son Paeton Williams of Akiak help unload the shipment of food donations from Bethel that came via Hovercraft last Friday. photo by Shawna Williams

by Greg Lincoln 

The Kuskokwim village of Akiak has been without continuous power since June 13th, 2024, according to an online post. Problems with outages began on May 13th including no power for a stretch of five days (May 22-26). On Day 12 of the outage on June 27th, community member Phyllis Williams reached out to folks in Bethel for help for the people with no generators who lost all the food in their freezers.

“As most should know by now, the village of Akiak has been without power for almost 2 weeks (on Day 12 today). We are looking for donations of non perishable food for people that have lost their freezer food due to the power outage and no personal generators. If you’d like to donate, Hovercraft in Bethel has approved to send a one time shipment of food to Akiak. You can drop them off there. Quyana cakneq.”

Bethel folks donated and Hovercraft made the delivery last Friday, the community of Akiak was elated and expressed much thanks.

“Quyana Agayun,” stated an online post. “…more people helped and getting dried, canned foods out to Akiak people. Quyana Bethel community…”

“Quyana cakneq to community of Bethel for your generous donations!!” said Williams.

She also provided an update from Hovercraft. They will continue to take donations and will bring them to Akiak when possible.

“Our people are so grateful!! May you all be blessed abundantly! Quyana from the community of Akiak,” she said.

Community volunteers Mike Williams Jr., Sheila Carl, Paeton Williams, Caitlyn, and Shawna Williams helped with the food distribution to families.

A mechanic will be going to Akiak after getting parts for the generators. Akiak has three powerplants.

Quyana!