Alaska’s Native Voice (ANV), hosted by Antonia Gonzales of National Native News, provides up close stories and discussions with Alaska Native leaders and stakeholders. ANV is a two-part series, which airs during live coverage of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Annual Convention.
Elders and Youth: The pandemic has not stopped Alaska Native people from celebrating their cultures, languages and ways of life. Elders and youth from across Alaska did just that, in a COVID-19 safe way this fall. They spent a few days together virtually at the 2021 First Alaskans Institute’s Elders and Youth Conference. After nearly two years of dealing with pandemic life, the time was used to connect. And, the U.S. government has finally acknowledged the dark history of Indian boarding school. A federal initiative has begun, which is investigating boarding schools. An Alaska Native boarding school survivor shares his personal story advocating for truth and healing.
Leaders in Policy, Music, and Culture: Leaders from across Alaska work year-round on a number of key issues to Alaska Native people, from health care, education, justice to climate change. Many meetings, conferences and in-person gatherings continue to be held online due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Many leaders are taking part in the statewide virtual 2021 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention. Tribal leaders also advocated for their people at the first White House tribal nation’s virtual summit hosted by President Biden and his cabinet. In music and culture news, an Alaska Native model shares her thoughts about breaking into the international fashion world and an Alaska Native performing artist talks about his first solo album.
