Alaska Federation of Natives event unifies participants; annual convention features forums, arts and crafts show, dance performances.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month: Oct. 17-22 - Conference news

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History and tradition, family and friends converge this month at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention Oct. 20-22 in Anchorage. The event, held at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, is also the setting for sessions discussing top statewide issues and AFN delegates voicing their priorities.

The annual convention features the Alaska Native arts and crafts show and sale, an exhibit fair, health fair, Quyana Alaska Native dance performances and a closing reception and banquet. The annual elder and youth conference is Monday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Event organizers purposefully plan the agenda of speakers and forums around a central theme.

'STRONG AND COMPLETE'

"AFN's 2011 theme of Strength in Unity recognizes our belief that everyone in the Native community has value and matters," said AFN President Julie Kitka. "Together we are strong and complete. Every Native organization contributes in its own unique way, and represents an essential part of our 'whole.'"

Kitka is mindful of charting a unified course for Alaska Natives into coming decades.

"The time and energy we put towards building a better future for the next generation will unfold and multiply," she said. "We have benefited from the work and tireless energy of those who have gone before us--our history continues to inspire us to do our best and contribute. AFN is all of us working together."

The AFN convention draws up to 5,000 people to Anchorage and is an economic boon to the city, said Jack Bonney, public relations manager for the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. The convention has an estimated economic impact of $5.3 million for Anchorage, Bonney said. AFN attendees spend money at retailers, hotels and restaurants citywide. However, the AFN convention has wielded its economic sway outside Anchorage: Last year, the convention was held in Fairbanks.

The annual convention's value transcends dollar figures, he added.

"The AFN convention provides a special opportunity to celebrate Alaska Native heritage and provides all Alaskans with...