Alaska Federation of Natives

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is now accepting applications for Quyana Alaska 2025. The Convention is scheduled to be held in Anchorage on October 16-18, 2025. The application deadline is May 31, 2025. Please note that applying does not guarantee an invitation to perform. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/gbaSnQxv.

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) congratulates Tabetha Toloff on her appointment as president of CIRI as of March 3! In her role, Tabetha will lead the company's mission and operations associated with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. She will also oversee stakeholder engagement and provide strategic guidance for the Shareholder and Descendant Programs, as well as the Corporate Affairs department. In her role, she will collaborate closely with AFN to advance shared goals and strengthen the voice of Alaska Native people. Congratulations, Tabetha!

The Alaska Federation of Natives extends heartfelt congratulations to Natasha Singh on her recent appointment as President/CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. This leadership role is crucial in addressing the health needs of Alaska Native communities, and we are confident that Natasha’s experience and dedication will greatly benefit the organization. Your vision and commitment to improving health outcomes are truly inspiring, and we are excited about the future of our partnership!

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) would like to recognize Kim Reitmeier for her significant contributions to the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) over the past 14 years. Throughout this time, AFN and ARA have collaborated on numerous projects, both driven by a shared passion and commitment to serving Alaska Native communities. We wish you all the best and good luck in your future endeavors. We are confident that our paths will cross again.

AFN's new Director of Indian Child Welfare Initiatives, Rodreshia Dunbar (center in the photo), held a half-day meeting today with various Tribal and State partners, and representatives from the Casey Family Programs. Rodreshia joins AFN after serving as the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact Implementation Officer at the Office of Children's Services.

Today, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Martin Heinrich reintroduced S.620, the Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act. During the 2022 AFN Annual Convention, delegates passed Resolution 22-9, titled "Lack of Veterinary Care is an Unmet Public Health Crisis in Alaska Native Communities. A Call to Include Veterinary Services Under Indian Health Service Purview." The AFN leadership has sent letters of support to our Alaska delegation regarding this resolution. AFN thanks Senator Murkowski for her ongoing efforts on this and many other issues. You can read more about S.620 here: https://lnkd.in/gkN5XyXf

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is dedicated to improving education for Alaska Natives, urging support for House Bill 69 to increase funding for rural schools. Recently, AFN President Benjamin Mallott highlighted the challenges faced by these schools during a House Education Committee hearing. Additionally, AFN supports the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act (H.R. 410), which aims to honor our veterans' sacrifices and rectify historical injustices regarding land allotments. AFN is also championing crucial voting reforms to enhance access for all Alaskans, especially in rural areas. Key proposals include rural liaisons, prepaid postage for ballots, ballot curing, and same-day voter registration. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbT3tGFE

Elizabeth Peratrovich was instrumental in passing the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945, the first law in America to recognize the civil rights of all individuals regardless of race. Her powerful testimony before the Alaska Territorial Legislature highlighted the injustices faced by Native people and helped to bring attention to the need for legal protection. AFN is proud to honor her on February 16 for her remarkable impact on Alaska's history and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

AFN Thanks Congressman Begich for Advancing Alaska Native Legislation. Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gyAYdadK

The Alaska Federation of Natives will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader who was pivotal in the American civil rights movement. King advocated for nonviolent resistance to racial segregation and discrimination, and his leadership helped to bring about significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This day serves as a time to remember his contributions and a call to continue the fight for equality and justice for all people.