Alaska Federation of Natives

The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention will be held on October 20-22, 2022 at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska, and this year’s theme is "Celebrating Our Unity." Click here to learn more about AFN.

Quyana First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth and Alaska Federation of Natives delegates – Welcome to Anchorage. Welcome, ISDA, Tsin'aen Negha Nonhdaetl, Ninshyaa Ts'in'xunsuu, Paglagivsi, Shejaa Inn Do' on Khweknok II Hajit Hontl'at Shoo Ihtii, Anaa Baasee'go Dinaaghun Na Uhdatt, Ida 'Inahdi, Igamsiqayugvukamsi Tagilghiisi, Gunalacheesh Haat Yeeh-aadi, Quyanaa Tailuci, Awa'ahdah Aanda'lazsha'a'ch't, Shakaj Naii oo'ee Hoojil Eenjit Shoo Ihtii, Dala T' Alangk'ings An Iitl'kil Laangag, Ixamnaxta-lix

Anchorage will proudly welcome the attendees of the First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth conference and the delegates of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention when the conference returns to Anchorage.

Since 1966, AFN has elevated the issues, concerns and interests of Alaska Native peoples. Every year delegates from communities around the state meet to discuss issues they are facing. AFN is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples, and it has helped shape the course of Alaska history from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to present day. 

To help maintain traditions and increase understanding, AFN started the Elders & Youth Conference. In 2004, sponsorship and organization of the event was assumed by the First Alaskans Institute, a group originally called AFN Foundation when formed by the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1989. By bringing the two groups together, First Alaskans Institute is helping develop the next generation of Alaska Native leaders who will contribute to the advancement of their communities.

Many of the speeches, sessions, expo booths, art displays and dance events are open to the public. More than 170 Alaska Native and American artisans from the "Lower 48" gather to showcase and sell their artwork during AFN. The Alaska Native Customary Art Fair is renown as one of the best places to find Alaska Native and American Indian artwork.

First introduced at the 1982 AFN Convention, Quyana Alaska was designed to restore traditional dances and ensure they would be passed on to the future generations. The cultural revival has certainly exploded across rural Alaska, and Quyana Alaska is now a treasured highlight of each and every Convention.