AFN holds 38th Annual Convention in Anchorage: this year's convention is scheduled from Oct. 20-25, with the 19th Annual Elders and Youth Conference running from Oct. 20-22.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month - Alaska Federation of Natives

The Alaska Federation of Natives will hold its annual convention at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage this month, with a special focus on education and cultural self-determination.

"The AFN Annual Convention is the largest annual gathering of any kind in Alaska," said Julie Kitka, the organization's long-time president, in a letter inviting shareholders to attend. "Since 1966, the annual convention has been a meeting place for more than 3,000 Alaska Native peoples."

This year's convention is scheduled from Oct. 20-25, with the 19th Annual Elders and Youth Conference running from Oct. 20-22. Educational keynote speakers and panels are scheduled, along with workshops, so participants have the opportunity to meet in regional caucuses, vote on resolutions and elect regional representatives to serve on the youth and elders council.

Each year the AFN banquet, held at the conclusion of the convention, is a huge gathering for food, dance, entertainment and awards. Formal dress is recommended, but casual is fine, too. The banquet is cohosted by two Alaska Native leaders. Dinner is served at guests' tables, and is alcohol-free. A Native dance group or an individual usually provide entertainment. Previous year's drawings at the banquet have been trips for two to a nice, warm get away, or free freight via a local cargo transport company.

Since its inception, AFN and the convention each year provide a powerful social and political forum for Alaska Natives.

The Alaska Federation of Natives originally was formed to address issues and unify a response brought about by the Alaska land claims changes that occurred after statehood in 1958. Faced with the state selection of 100 million acres of land for its own use, AFN was the first organization to gather a voice for Native land claims. Some of today's most prominent and active Native leaders at the time were the first to understand the need for retaining aboriginal lands or the possibility of losing them to government control. Despite their inexperience in such matters...