As our neighbors from across the state gather this week for the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, we as the leadership of the Anchorage Assembly wish to welcome everyone to Anchorage and thank you for supporting our community with this incredible event. The convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of Native peoples and we are honored that AFN is once again hosting the event in Anchorage, on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people.
Not only does the event energize and inspire our community, AFN also brings millions of dollars into the Anchorage economy, and we are grateful for this support of local businesses. We encourage Anchorage residents to visit and shop at the Alaska Native Customary Art Fair that runs alongside the convention to help support the economies of our Alaskan neighbors by purchasing unique art, jewelry and clothing.
At the convention, delegates discuss strategic opportunities and challenges, hear from community leaders and experts, and share stories of resilience, experiences, strengths, knowledge, and hope for the future. The convention is also an opportunity to visit friends and relatives we haven’t seen in a long time.
Once again, we thank AFN for gathering here in Anchorage and wish all of the participants a successful meeting and an enjoyable stay in Anchorage.
As we were taught by our partners at the Native Village of Eklutna, “Chin’an gu ninyu” — thank you, you came here.
— Christopher Constant and Meg Zaletel
Chair and vice chair, Anchorage Assembly
Anchorage
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