FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2026
Anchorage, Alaska – The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) reaffirms its support for the people of Greenland and their right to self-determination, echoing the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s founding purpose to unite Arctic communities and advance Indigenous rights, self-determination, and opportunities.
“As Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, we understand how vital it is that decisions about our political future and governance are made by our own people,” said Ben Mallott, AFN President. “We stand in solidarity with our Greenlandic relatives as they assert their inherent right to self-governance and chart their own path on the world stage.”
AFN Co-Chair Joe Nelson added, “Our connections across the Arctic are rooted in shared history, culture, and values. We will always stand beside our relatives as they work to secure their future.”
Gayla Hoseth, AFN Co-Chair, emphasized, “We have seen the strength and resilience of Inuit communities throughout the Arctic. Greenland’s example inspires us and reminds us that meaningful self-governance is not only possible—it is essential for the well-being of our people.”
AFN remains committed to advancing the unity, rights, and aspirations of all Indigenous and Arctic communities across the circumpolar north, and to encouraging strong partnerships that build resilient economies and help unleash the full potential of the Arctic.
AFN is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 192 federally recognized tribes, 152 village corporations, 11 regional corporations, and 11 regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and compact to run federal and state programs.
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