The Alaska Federation of Natives is now accepting nominations for the annual President’s Awards, which will be presented at the 2026 AFN Convention, October 22-24, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Any AFN member organization in good standing may nominate. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 14, 2026.
Click here for the nomination form and detailed list of criteria.
The following honors will be awarded in 2026:
- Health – Recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence, and sensitivity in the health field, whose accomplishments have improved health care for Alaska Natives. Nominees may be involved in health advocacy, program administration, professional care, and the health professions.
- Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education – Named for the late State Legislator and elementary and bilingual teacher, Eileen Panigeo MacLean, this award recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence, and sensitivity in the field of education, and whose accomplishments have improved educational opportunities for Alaska Natives. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in traditional education at the preschool, elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level. The nominee can be a cultural educator, parent committee member, school board member, administrator, teacher aide, or other education-related professional who has been a positive role model for the Alaska Native community.
- Hannah Paul Solomon “Woman of Courage Award” – Named for the late Hannah Paul Solomon, recognizes an Alaska Native woman who demonstrates through their life and work the strengths of our culture and values, and tremendous courage.
- Katie John Hunter-Fisher – Recognizes an Alaska Native who exemplifies and preserves the spirit of successful subsistence hunting, trapping, and sharing, and our way of life. Nominees must acknowledge and ensure that the next generations of providers will carry on the traditions and customs in harmony and peace, sustaining their extended families.
- Roger Lang Youth Leadership – Named for the late Roger Lang, former AFN President, who encouraged young people to expand their horizons and challenge themselves to become future leaders. Nominees must be young men aged 18-30 who demonstrate leadership qualities. The young women’s category will be available in 2027.
- Small Business – Recognizes an Alaska Native business owner or manager who has demonstrated business success and a commitment to their community, improving economic opportunities for Alaska Natives.
- Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service Award – Recognizes an Alaska Native who demonstrates a strong commitment and willingness to serve in the U. S. Armed Forces in the defense of the United States of America. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in the U. S. Armed Forces in active duty, reserves, National Guard, or a veteran who was honorably discharged from active duty or reserves.
- Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement – Named for the late Glenn Godfrey, Colonel and Director of the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Commissioner of Public Safety. This award recognizes an Alaska Native law enforcement officer, federal, state, or local, who has shown outstanding dedication to the safety of the public in any location(s) within Alaska, often requiring heroic courage in the face of danger.
Submit nominations to Nicole James at AFN.