Alaska Native gatherings held in Anchorage

Two major gatherings of Alaska Native people are taking place this week at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. The week began with the Elders & Youth Conference (EYC), hosted by the First Alaskans Institute, which focuses on intergenerational connection through workshops on culture, history, and language.

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention, marking its 60th anniversary, follows the EYC. The convention typically draws up to 7,000 attendees and attracts approximately 100,000 online viewers. Key events include a keynote speech by Rosita Worl, remarks from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich, and a political candidates forum for the upcoming November election.

On Saturday, delegates will vote on resolutions regarding healthcare, public safety, education, and subsistence in Alaska Native communities. To assist attendees, the convention is providing onsite government services, including passport services from the U.S. Department of State and services from the Alaska DMV and the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics.