Commission on Native Children hosting Alaska’s first regional hearing this month

WASILLA — The public is invited to attend and provide testimony at the first regional hearing in Alaska for the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children this month.

There are multiple opportunities for people to attend in person or virtually, according to a recent press release.

There will be a public testimony hearing in Utqiagvik Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the North Slope Borough Chamber of Commerce, located at 1274 Agvik Street.

There will be an expert panel Friday, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a public testimony hearing Saturday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Anchorage. Both of these events will take place in the Marriott Anchorage Downtown Hotel, located at 820 West 7th Avenue.

The Commission will hear from respected researchers and experts on various topics that affect Native children, welcoming families, tribal leaders, and community members to provide testimonies on issues that are important to protecting Native children served in the various communities.

Members of the public are invited to provide both oral and written testimony with recommendations for the Commission to consider including in their final report.

The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children was established by Congress in 2016 as an independent federal entity to conduct a comprehensive study of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and develop recommendations on solutions to issues that would improve the health, safety, and well-being of Native children. This includes Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian youth across the country.

To join these events virtually, register at www.commissiononnativechildren.org. Those with a disability desiring to attend these events in person can reach out to make accommodations.

For more information or to submit written testimony, send an email to asbwsnc@gmail.com.