For Immediate Release
August 7, 2025
Anchorage, AK – For the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act this week, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), First Alaskans Institute (FAI), and Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) are proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand and strengthen the Get Out the Native Vote (GOTNV) efforts across Alaska. This milestone coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) on August 6, providing an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact this legislation has had on Alaska Native communities. The VRA was designed to eliminate discriminatory practices that historically disenfranchised communities of color across the United States.
In Alaska, the legacy of the VRA is deeply rooted in our communities. Before its passage in 1965, Alaska Natives faced numerous barriers to voter registration, including literacy tests and other discriminatory tactics aimed at suppressing their voices. The VRA marked a pivotal shift in the nation’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, could participate fully in the democratic process.
Thanks to the fundamental protections of the VRA and the strength of our Alaska Native leadership, our communities have fought through litigation and legislation to remove barriers to voting across our state. As a result, there has been an increase in Native individuals running for office, engaging in local government, and shaping policies that directly affect our communities. The right to vote is recognized not merely as a privilege but as a vital tool for fostering change and shaping the future.
GOTNV became a CITC affiliate in 2020 and a program under the CITC umbrella in 2024. Previously, it operated under the umbrella of the ANCSA Regional Association. GOTNV was founded with the belief that the right to vote is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy, working to ensure every eligible Alaskan is registered to vote and removing barriers that prevent registered voters from casting their ballots. Through nonpartisan outreach and education, GOTNV has worked to engage community members to participate in elections and promote accessible voting options like absentee ballots.
In this strategic transition, AFN, FAI, and CITC will combine each organization’s unique strengths to develop a comprehensive plan for encouraging Alaska Native civic participation and expanding our collective reach to ensure our people’s voices are heard.
GOTNV seeks to offer outreach tailored to the specific needs of Alaska Natives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within the electoral process. Engaging Native communities in voting amplifies their voices and underscores the importance of representation and accountability in decisions impacting our lives and futures.
As we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, AFN, FAI, and CITC reaffirm their dedication to the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and representation. Through collective action, they lead their efforts through GOTNV, honoring the rights our ancestors fought for and working to protect them for future generations. While the GOTNV initiative will continue to evolve through this new collaboration, its core mission remains the same: encouraging Native people to participate actively in the democratic process and promoting Native leadership in decision-making. Its goal is to ensure that our communities’ voices are heard and that Alaska Native people lead in shaping the decisions that affect our future.
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