Anchorage, Alaska — The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is proud to announce the theme for its 60th Annual Convention: “Rooted in Land and Tradition, Rising in Our Voices.” AFN also announces that distinguished Alaska Native leader, scholar, and advocate Dr. Rosita Worl will deliver the keynote address at this milestone gathering.
As AFN marks six decades of advocacy, leadership, and service to Alaska Native peoples, this year’s theme honors the enduring connection between Alaska Native communities and their ancestral lands, cultures, and traditions while recognizing the growing strength and influence of Indigenous voices shaping the future.
“This theme reflects who we are as Alaska Native people,” said AFN President Benjamin Mallott. “Our cultures, values, and ways of life are deeply rooted in the lands and waters that have sustained our peoples for generations. As we celebrate AFN’s 60th Convention, we also recognize the power of our collective voices as we address the opportunities and challenges facing our communities today and for future generations.”
AFN is honored to welcome Dr. Rosita Worl as the keynote speaker for the convention. A respected Tlingit anthropologist, educator, author, and Alaska Native rights advocate, Dr. Worl has dedicated her life to advancing Indigenous self-determination, cultural preservation, and the protection of Alaska Native knowledge and traditions.
“Native people fought an aggressive battle to protect their land base and cultures. Miraculously, we survived,” Worl said. “Today, Native people are once again encountering distressing forces emanating from the highest level of government that threaten to undermine our very cultural survival and cultural diversity that has given such richness to our national society. But, in contrast to the early historical dictatorial federal assimilative Indian policies, Native people themselves will decide their most important priorities.”
Dr. Worl is the President of the Sealaska Heritage Institute and has been a leading voice on Indigenous rights at the local, national, and international levels. Her decades of service have helped strengthen Alaska Native languages, cultures, and institutions while inspiring generations of leaders throughout Alaska and beyond.
“Dr. Worl’s lifelong commitment to Alaska Native peoples embodies the spirit of this year’s theme,” said Mallott. “Her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to our communities make her an ideal keynote speaker as we reflect on AFN’s history and look toward the future.”
The 60th Annual AFN Convention will bring together tribal leaders, delegates, youth, elders, Alaska Native corporations, policymakers, and community members from across the state to discuss issues critical to Alaska Native peoples, celebrate cultural achievements, and chart a path forward together.
Additional convention details, including registration information, agenda updates, and special events, will be announced in the coming months.
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