COLUMN: Beyond resolutions, a resolve

With half of all federally recognized indigenous tribes being Alaska Native (229 tribes and 12 tribal consortiums), there is considerable political muscle at work during the Alaska Federation of Natives convention. It’s the largest representative gathering of Native people in the country, and it functions as the body’s annual business meeting. Thirty-eight resolutions were revised and adopted, focusing the 4,000 delegates in attendance on issues from toxic algae blooms, to reinvigorating rural representation in the National Guard’s to curbing endemic violence and chemical dependency. “Strength in Unity” was the formal theme of the three-day conference, held at the Dena’ina Center.

“So much of what happens here is beyond the convention floor,” explained Frederick Olsen, who travelled from Kasaan — site of the oldest original Haida Whale House in the U.S.

For Olsen, Tribal President (who also serves as Tourism Director) of the Organized Village of Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island, the conference means a family reunion amidst some city treats like larger restaurants than can be found in Southeast Alaska. Catching up with relatives was most important to him, beyond the business items. “We’ve had some great meals.” Outside the main conference hall were vendors and dozens of groups milling about in what Olsen termed the AFN shuffle: “step-step-hug, step-step-hug.” He says he leaves AFN each year with new dedication and insight which he applies to his daily work at home, and this year felt a particular pull towards the Elders and Youth Conference, which he hopes to attend next year.

Liz Medicine Crow, President/CEO of First Alaskans Institute, gave a rousing summary of the energy and dedication evident during Elders and Youth. “We’ve dropped the phrase, ‘emerging leaders’, because so many of our young people are already leaders in their region.

Alaska’s D.C. dignitaries made appearances as the convention wrapped up early Saturday morning. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski touched on the usual political points and promises, casting themselves as heroes against an oppressive government. Representative Don Young made the rounds downstairs among artists and corporate vendors, shaking hands and cracking jokes. “Are you selling something?” he answered one request to stop at a booth for a photo.

Barbara Franks, representing the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, spoke about her travels while coordinating mental health agency and clergy efforts all over Alaska. In small, isolated villages, the national hotline is of particular value. “Someone may not want to seek counsel from the mental health worker, who could be their aunt, and the VPSO is their uncle.” Her role as trainer and listener has added to her depth of experience, drawing from the healing she has found since the loss of her own son, who died by suicide twenty years ago. In particular, sensitivity to the gift of life has created gratitude which can overshadow the tragedy. “We say that he blessed us for twenty-three years, we focus on that life he lived.”

She saw a contrast in the reaction of well-wishers who offered solace, without superstition or pity, when her husband died just two days after her son’s suicide. It was cancer which ended her husband’s life, and she has built upon the hope that all survivors will be met with compassion.

Mary Kenick, of Bethel Regional Corporation, has been attending AFN for more than a dozen years as a delegate. She mentioned a visible increase in security provided by Anchorage Police Department and Downtown Partnership, and how much she appreciates that help for youth and elders, as well as any attendees unfamiliar with city travel.

For all the pomp and expected announcements, the gathering of Alaska’s first descendants was an infusion of small community life for downtown Anchorage, felt strongest in the unpretentious exchanges and intimate stories. Yup’ik was being taught in the elevators, men young and old were beatboxing between flights of escalators, a lone dude played hackysack against a backdrop of towering glass. Iconic artist Moses Wassilie manned a booth near the center of the first floor. As his friend Richard Atuk summarized, “We are always smiling when we’re together.”