First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference October 20 and 21 ......First Alaskans Elders & Youth...

First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference Report 2008 of 22 1

First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference

October 20 and 21, 2008

Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center

Anchorage, Alaska

First Alaskans Institute hosted the 2008 First Alaskans Elders & Youth

Conference in Anchorage, Alaska at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention

Center on October 20-21, 2008. This final conference report includes

planning activities, the participation of the conference planning committee

as well as the Elders and Youth Council, an overview of the conference

agenda and highlights, the regional caucus reports, registration

information, conference evaluation, and additional follow-up items.

Conference Logo and Theme

Celebrating 25 Years…Wisdom from Our Elders Spirit of Our Youth


Conference Planning Project Team

First Alaskans Institute recognizes the Conference planning team: James

LaBelle (Chugach Alaska Corporation Tribal Member, Native Village of Port

Graham, Adjunct Faculty, UAA, Alaska Native Studies Department, National

Resource Center for American Indian, Alaska Native & Native Hawaiian

Elders Elder - Education), George Charles (Calista Corporation,

Orutsaramuit Native Council-Bethel, Director, National Resource Center for

Amerian Indian, Alaska Native & Native Hawaiian Elders at UAA, college of

Health & Social Welfare), Barbara Fleek (Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska),

Shirley Tuzroyluke (Tlingit/Nisga’a), Lena Hoffman (Koyukon

Athabascan, Native Village of Ruby), Steven Holley (Tyonek, 2008

Statewide Youth Council member), Richard Perry (CIRI Athabascan/Yupik)

and Chelsea Royal (Doyon).

Also we would like to recognize Stephanie Thompson, AFN Board member,

for attending and providing input during our meetings.

The planning committee was responsible for development of the

conference theme, the overall structure of the two day event, and the

agenda. The team identified speakers, workshop presenters, and dance

groups.

Elders and Youth Council

The 2008 Elder and Youth Council members

were elected during the 2007 Elders & Youth

Conference. Council members identified

meaningful ways in which Elders and youth

would interact and how each participant

would benefit from his or her activities.


2008 Elders and Youth Council Members:

Elders: Dorothy Cook (CIRI), Roy Tansey Sr. (Ahtna), Vince Tutiakoff, Sr.

(Aleut), Rex Okakok, Sr. (ASRC), Daniel Karmun Sr. (Bering Straits), Anecia

Kritz (Bristol Bay), Bob Aloysius (Calista), Don Kompkoff (Chugach), Dee

Olin (Doyon), Nick Alokli (Koniag), Willie Goodwin Jr. (NANA), Florence

Sheakley (Sealaska), George Samuel (13th Region).

Youth: Steven Holley (CIRI), Douglas Rock (Ahtna), Delores Gregory

(Aleut), Selma Khan (ASRC), Vanessa Tahbone (Bering Straits), Sheryl

Wassillie (Bristol Bay), Dustin Evon (Calista), Kelly Barker (Chugach), Clara

Perdue (Doyon), Desiree Heglin (Koniag), Lexy Staheli (NANA), Krista Lamp

(Sealaska).

Call for Presentations and Agenda Development

In August a call for presentations was issued to the public, soliciting

conference presenters, panels, and workshop topics. Preference was given

to Alaska Native presenters. Proposals were reviewed by the planning

committee for:

Facilitated interaction between Elders and Youth

Relevance to the conference theme

Connections to the conference purpose and outcomes

Potential to engage participants during the presentation

Appeal to the Elders and youth audience

Usefulness to participants

Clarity of proposal


In addition to the call for presentations; the Conference planning

committee included presentations suggested by the Elders and youth

council. The committee sought to create a balanced agenda which

included a number of issues that remain important to Alaska Native Elders

and youth. This year’s focus was on Alaska Native history and ANCSA,

past conference highlights, education and other issues specific to youth,

and rising energy costs. The Conference agenda is attached (see appendix

A) and can also be downloaded from the First Alaskans Institute website at

www.firstalaskans.org.

Plenary Speakers

Della Cheney (Tlingit/Haida), an elder from

Kake, gave a passionate speech on the

cultural ways of being within communities

and amongst each other. She did so through

reflection on her own personal journey and

the importance of our languages.

Callan Chythlook-Sifsof (Yupik/Inupiaq) is a US National Snowboard

Team athlete who gave an engaging presentation on what it is like to be a

amateur professional athlete and how if you dream big enough you can

accomplish anything.

Roberta “Bobbi” Quintavell (Inupiaq), gave a presentation on the

second day of the conference. Ms. Quintavell discussed the changes that

have occurred during her lifetime and the adaptation that Alaskan Natives

have experienced since the beginning of time. She stressed the importance

of education but also the importance of balancing culture with

westernized living, especially for those who have migrated outside of the

village.

http://www.firstalaskans.org/


Valerie Davidson (Yupik), the first

youth council president in 1984,

moderated a panel with

participants Jana Turvey (Alutiiq),

1984 participant, and Lexy Staheli

(Inupiaq), current involved youth.

The panelists discussed the

changes that have led us to where

we are now and the issues that have reflected change since 1984. The

discussion was further expanded by exposing the changes that our youth

needs to be prepared to face as they step-up and form into the next

generation of leaders.

Vincent Gregory (Yupik), gave a moving opening keynote address on the

importance of never giving up. Vincent shared his hardships during the

loss of his mother, how he persevered in life during a time of suffering,

and how focusing on the importance of family and culture helped him

remain strong.

Dr. Walter Soboleff (Tlingit), spoke on the

importance of being a good role model and

emphasized the value of taking care of who you

are now so that you can be a good elder in the

future. Dr. Soboleff reiterated the concept that

nothing is free in life and you must work hard to

get what you want. He also talked about how

no one can do it alone and if we work together

then we will be that much stronger.


Workshops

The call for presentations identified

relevant workshops in which

conference participants could meet

and share creative ideas, opinions,

solutions, and stories. Workshops

were built around the conference

theme and were facilitated by a

number of community

organizations from throughout Alaska.

In alphabetical order:

Alaska Native History

Inuuraq Edwardson, North Slope Borough Mayor Youth Advisory Council

Aqqaluk Trust: Inupiaq Language CD Project

Willie Goodwin, NANA Elder

Leland Barger

Changing Lives, Changing Communities

Barbara Fleek, Big Brother, Big Sister

Creating Regalia with New Stories

Della Cheney, Traditional Artist/ Weaver

Digital Storytelling: Environment and Culture

Jennifer Bell, Alaska Community Services

Elders & Youth Sharing Responsibility for a Healthy Community

Max & Lisa Dolchok, Southcentral Foundation

Josh Franks, Southcentral Foundation

Esther Grosdidier, Southcentral Foundation


Enhancing AK Native Leadership in Natural Resource Management

Courtenay Carty, Bristol Bay Native Association

Establishing Financial Success in College through Rural Student Services

Gabrielle Russell, UAF Rural Student Services

Examining Racial Segregation: Interview with our Alaskan Elders

Holly Stebing, Inupiaq

Family Wellness Warriors Initiative- Beauty for Ashes

Bobbi Donadio, Southcentral Foundation

Growing Together: Opportunities for Collaborative Elder & Youth Gardening

in AK

Kara Cox, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Tanana Chiefs Conference

Hands on Banking

Asta Keller, Wells Fargo

Healing the Wounded Spirit: Reclaiming Culture and Identity

George Charles, National Resource Center for American Indian, Alaska Native

and Native Hawaiian Elders

Jim Labelle, National Resource Center for American Indian, Alaska Native and

Native Hawaiian Elders

Honoring Our 25 Years of Change

Nadia Melovidov, St. Paul Tribal Government

Lights, Camera, Action! How to Make Your Own Film

Andrew MacLean, Alaska Native Media, Inc.

Lisa Ellanna, Alaska Native Media , Inc.

Lookout Alaska, Here I Come

Mayor Joe Williams, Ketchikan Borough


March 2008 Palenque Convening or Indigenous Peoples for the Healing of

Mother Earth: Applications to Elders and Youth in Alaska

Qipqiina John Shaeffer, NANA Elder

Willie Goodwin, NANA Elder

Walter Porter, Elder

N8V Pride

Andrea Ravensway, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

Our Time, Real People in Real Times

Liz Posey, Anchorage Urban League

Lena Hoffman, Anchorage Urban League

Allison Warden, Anchorage Urban League

Paying for College

Karla Booth, UAA Rural Student Services

Cathy Rexford, UAA Rural Student Services

Pens, Paper, Smoked Fish: All You Need for College

Karla Booth, UAA Rural Student Services

Preserving Our Traditions, History & Culture

Angelia Sawden, Chugach Alaska Corporation

Resolutions Workshop

Facilitated by Memry Dahl, First Alaskans Institute

Traditional Parenting

Nastasia Walhberg

Traditional Song and Dance Instruction

Rachel Moreno, Mt. Edgecombe High School Yupik Dance Group


Understanding our Identity: Telling Out Story/ Project Life

George Provost, Manillaq Behavior Health

What are the Stories in Your Community? Telling Stories Digitally

Dr. Gary Ferguson, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Kathryn Koller, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Teresa Hicks, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Dance Groups

The dance presentations were a highlight of the two-day

conference. Special thanks to the members of the Alaska

Native Heritage Center Dance Group, Mt. Edgecombe

High School Yupik Dance Group, Kicaput Dancers,

Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagadim (LGG) Tsimshian Dancers,

Imamsuat Dance Group, Guy Peters, and Pamyua.

Regional Breakout Sessions

During Regional breakout sessions participants discussed and voted on the

resolutions that had been submitted prior to the conference and that had

been recommended from the resolutions workshop on Monday of the

conference. The is the second time First Alaskans Institute has

incorporated the resolution process into the Elders & Youth Conference

and in the five years we have hosted the conference and it was met with

great enthusiasm. The voting process was more familiar this year and will

only improve as we continue to develop the submission and revision

methods to allow for a longer discussion time within the regional

breakouts.


The five resolutions listed below were passed within the regional

breakouts:

Resolution 08-01: RAISING AWARENESS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

IN ALASKA.

Resolution08-02: CREATE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR TEENAGERS

WHO HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE DRUG AND ALCOHOL

ADDICTIONS.

Resolution 08-03: HONORING ALASKA NATIVE CENTENARIANS AS

LIVING LEGENDS DURING ELDERS & YOUTH AND AFN ANNUAL

CONVENTIONS.

Resolution 08-04: UNITE ELDERS AND YOUTH WITH AFN

LEADERSHIP

Resolution 08-05: SUPPORT OF AFN URBAN YOUTH TO ATTEND

CONVENTION

Many of the regions had comments and/or amendments regarding the

resolutions, the amended resolutions are attached (see appendix B). In the

regional breakout sessions, the participants elected the 2009 Elder and

youth statewide council representatives.


Below is a breakdown of regional votes and the 2009 Elder and youth

statewide council:

Ahtna Region

Elder Representative: Roy Tansy, Sr., Copper Center

Youth Representative: Douglas Rock, Copper Center

Regional Vote on Resolutions:

Resolution 08-01 Pass



Resolution 08-04 No Vote

Resolution 08-05 No Vote

Aleut Region

Elder Representative: Max Lestenkof, Anchorage

Youth Representative: Raylene Kochuten, King Cove







Arctic Slope Region

Elder Representative: Rex Okakok, Sr., Barrow

Youth Representative: Selma Khan, Barrow








Bering Straits Region

Elder Representative: Perry Mendenhall, Nome

Youth Representative: Cori Eide, Nome







Bristol Bay Region

Elder Representative: Anecia Lomack, Manokotak

Youth Representative: Victoria Anderson, Dillingham







Calista Region

Elder Representative: Marie Tyson, Anchorage

Youth Representative: Gabriel Tinker, St. Mary’s








Bering Straits Region

Elder Representative: Perry Mendenhall, Nome

Youth Representative: Cori Eide, Nome







Bristol Bay Region

Elder Representative: Anecia Lomack, Manokotak

Youth Representative: Victoria Anderson, Dillingham







Also read a resolution not submitted within the deadline (see appendix c).

Calista Region

Elder Representative: Marie Tyson, Anchorage

Youth Representative: Gabriel Tinker, St. Mary’s








Chugach Region

Elder Representative: Henry Makarka, Wasilla

Youth Representative: Sean O’Brien, Anchorage







Cook Inlet Region

Elder Representative: Clinton Gregg, Anchorage

Youth Representative: Misty Buckles, Anchorage







Doyon Region

Elder Representative: Anna Frank, Fairbanks

Youth Representative: Lorena Pitka, Anchorage






Resolution 08-05 No Pass-Amendment


Koniag Region

Elder Representative: Florence Pestrikoff, Kodiak

Youth Representative: Nina Gronn, Kodiak






Resolution 08-05 No Pass

NANA Region

Elder Representative: Willie Goodwin, Jr., Kotzebue

Youth Representative: David Smith, Kotzebue







Southeast Region

Elder Representative: Larry Marvin, Anchorage

Youth Representative: Krista Lamp, Anchorage








Conference Staffing

The entire First Alaskans Institute staff contributed to the success and work

of the conference.

Memry Dahl (Aleut) and Amber Jenkins (Alutiiq) were responsible for the

day-to-day coordination and planning of conference activities and

logistics. Gloria Yates was hired in September and continued until after the

conference for community planning around the entire week of activities.

Kristel Komakhuk (Inupiq/Alutiiq) oversaw conference development

efforts. Jenel Franklin coordinated conference registration, Rick Mueller

(Tlingit) directed the A/V and broadcasting, Shelia Vent (Athabascan)

developed the conference guide, and Gary Chythlook (Yupik) coordinated

communications efforts.

Registration

The Elders & Youth Conference saw a record number of registrants in

2008. There was 353 youth registrants, 525 Elder registrants, 157

chaperones, and 81 Non-Participants/Observers registered. The total

number of registrants was 1,116 participants; this was an increase from

1032 registrants in 2006 (the last time the conference was in Anchorage).


In 2006 First Alaskans reorganized the registration process, and registered

Non-Participants/Observers and Chaperones. Defining more specific

categories allowed for a more accurate understanding of the number of

overall attendees. The non-participants category includes college

students, organizational representatives, media, and other members of the

general public.

There were 4 registrants from the 13th Region, 72 from the Ahtna Region,

75 from the Aleut Region, 113 from the Arctic Slope Region, 80 were from

Bristol Bay, 120 from Bering Straits, 150 from Calista, 58 from Chugach, 86

from Cook Inlet, 74 from Doyon, 41 from Koniag, 130 from NANA, 54 from

Sealaska and there were 62 registrants who were not affiliated with a

region.

Communications

Beginning in July our registration

for participants and exhibitors was

available online for the first time

ever. Participants registered online

until October 15th and weekly

updates were emailed to contacts,

organizations, and interested

people. Schools, Tribes and non-profits received mail-outs that included

“Save-the-Date” cards, letters, and registration announcements. First

Alaskans updated its website with conference developments: Online

registration, agenda, travel and hotel information and community events.

The Elders & Youth Conference received local media coverage from

Anchorage stations on both Monday, October 20th and Tuesday, October

21st.


Blueberry Productions was contracted to provide conference web casting

and live-broadcasting. Viewers were able to watch the live-broadcasting

on channel 1, thanks to a very generous in-kind donation from GCI. Web

casting viewers were able to log onto the internet, watch conference

proceedings, and leave comments by clicking on the link from the First

Alaskans Institute website. Over the course of the two day conference

there were over 2,950 web cast viewers.

Development Efforts

First Alaskans recognizes

the sponsors that support

Alaska Native Elders,

youth and healthy

communities. The

following Leader sponsors

contributed $10,000

dollars: Alyeska Pipeline

Service Company, Fred

Meyer, Shell Exploration and Production, Wells Fargo, and GCI ($2,500

sponsorship and in-kind contribution for live-broadcasting).

The following Mentor sponsors contributed $5,000 dollars: Arctic Slope

Regional Corporation, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, The Boeing

Company, BP, ConocoPhillips, Doyon, NANA Regional Corporation,

Rasmuson Foundation, Pamyua (in-kind cultural performance), and

Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers (who’s in-kind contribution

sponsored the youth dance).

Teacher sponsors contributed $2,500 dollars and include: Municipal Light

and Power and Northrim Bank.


Student sponsors contributed $1,000 and include: Alaska Communication

Systems, Alaska Democratic Party, Alaska Growth Capital, Alaska Industrial

Development and Export Authority/ Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska

Permanent Capital Management, The Aleut Corporation, Aleutian Pribilof

Island Community Development Association, Arby’s, Bering Straits Native

Corporation, Calista Corporation, Chugach Alaska Corporation, CIRI, Key

Bank, Koniag, Inc., Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation,

Pioneer Natural Resources Alaska, Inc., Premera Blue Cross, Princess Tours,

RIM First People, and Wallace Insurance Inc.

Exhibitors

This was the third year that First Alaskans coordinated conference

exhibitors and this year we partnered with the Alaska Native Professional

Association (ANPA) and held a combined Services/Business Expo.

Conference vendors included:

AARP Alaska State Office

Advanced Diabetic Solutions

Ahtna, Inc.

AIDEA/AEA

AK DNR DOF

Alaska Christian College

Alaska Commission on

Postsecondary Education

Alaska Department of Labor &

Workforce Development -

Alaska Job Center

Alaska Division of Fire and Life

Safety

Alaska Federal Health Care

Partnership

Alaska Human Rights

Commission

Alaska Mental Health Trust

Authority

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska Native Media, Inc.

Alaska Native Tribal Health

Consortium

Alaska Regional Council of

Carpenters

Alaska State Troopers


Alaska Vocational Tech Center

Alaska Volcano Observatory

Alyeska Pipeline Service

Company

American Seafoods Company

Anchorage School District

Alaska Native Professional

Association

Arctic Slope Regional

Corporation

Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska

Bristol Bay Area Health

Corporation

Calista Corporation

Career Academy

Carter Financial Group, LLC

CH2M HILL

Chulista Camp Services

Cook Inlet Region, Inc.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.

D.A.R.E. Alaska, Inc.

Department of Veterans

Affairs

Donlin Creek, LLC

Doyon, Limited

Federal Aviation

Administration

First Alaskans Institute

Gates Millennium Scholars

Program

Ilisagvik College

Interior-Aleutians Campus

Junior Achievement of Alaska,

Inc.

Kenai Peninsula College

Kuils Air National Guard

Life Alaska Donor Services

Municipality of Anchorage

NANA Development

Corporation

NANA Management Services

National Park Service

Native Student Services

NOAA National Weather

Service

Prince William Sound

Community College

Rural Alaska Honors Institute

Rural Student Services, UAF

SAIC

Sealaska Corporation

Seldovia Native Association,

Inc.

Social Security Administration

Southcentral Foundation


Southwest Alaska Vocational

& Education Center

Stanford University

State of Alaska / Division of

Public Assistance

State of Alaska/ Regulatory

Commission of Alaska

Summit Consulting Services

Tanana Chief Conference

TDX

U.S. Department of

Agriculture

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Office of Subsistence

Management

UIC

United States Postal Service

University of Alaska

University of Alaska College

Savings Plan and Scholars

Program

US Census Bureau

USDA NRCS

USFWS

Wells Fargo

Volunteers

About 25 volunteers committed to involving themselves during the Elders

& Youth Conference. Volunteers were referred from the First Alaskans

Institute Summer Internship Alumni, Municipality of Anchorage,

Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as other organizations.

Volunteers included registrars, greeters, runners, and facilitators and

recorders for regional breakout sessions. Volunteers also assisted with

moving boxes, stuffing conference bags, and collecting evaluations.

First Alaskans is grateful to all our volunteers, especially those who have

consistently contributed to the conference over the years.


Conference Evaluation

Through participant evaluations and staff debriefing sessions, First

Alaskans identified those things that worked well, and those needing

improvement. Here is a brief overview:

Popular presentations included Dr.

Walter Soboleff’s keynote address

and the competition results

presented by the Alaska Native

Media, Inc.: Elders Through the Eyes

of Youth. The Traditional Song and

Dance Instruction, taught by the

Mt. Edgecombe High School Yupik Dancers, was overwhelmingly the most

popular workshop.

All the dance groups were a big hit with all generations of attendees,

especially the closing performance by Pamyua.

A couple of areas suggested for improvement are: more signage

throughout the center and directions to all breakouts and workshops,

designated Elder seating in front of the stage, Native youth games

workshop, more advertising for broadcasting and webcasting, better

process for door prize after regional breakout sessions, more recruitment

for resolution submission and resolutions workshop, more Elder and youth

council participation, and making final resolutions available to the AFN

convention.


Support of Community Events

Special thanks go to the Fraternal Order of the Alaska State Troopers for

hosting the annual youth dance, the University of Alaska, Anchorage for

hosting the UAA Campus Tour, and the Anchorage Downtown Rotary for

hosting the Elders Lunch.

Also, thanks go to the Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage Convention

and Visitors Bureau, and community of Anchorage for their efforts in

supporting the Elders & Youth Conference.

Conference Follow-up

A report was presented to the AFN General Convention by youth emcees,

Chelsea Royal (Athabascan) and Steven Holley (Athabascan). During this

presentation they talked about the highlights of the conference, those that

were elected to the statewide council and the resolutions that were passed

by the conference participants to be included in the AFN 2009 priorities.

In addition to the reports delivered to the AFN Convention and this written

report, conference follow-up activities include thank you letters to

presenters, sponsors, and other participants, and website updates. The

input of the 375+ participants who submitted evaluation forms will also be

used for improvements to next year’s conference.

Respectfully submitted,

Memry Dahl

Programs and HR Director


First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference Report 2008

Appendix A: Conference Agenda

- Agenda

“Celebrating 25 Years. . . Wisdom from Our Elders, Spirit of Our

Youth”

First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference

October 20-21, Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center

Anchorage, Alaska

7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. –

5:00 p.m.

Registration

Registration is open until 4:00 p.m.

Business & Services Expo

Partnership with Alaska Native Professional Association

Idlughet 1

1st Floor

Idlughet

1st Floor

8:00 a.m. –

12:00 p.m.

Elder and Youth Interviews

Story Corp

CITC Mediak & Alaska Native Heritage Center High

School Media

Katnu 1-

2nd Floor

First Alaskans

Institute

8:00 a.m.

Welcome & Cultural Presentation

Snangim Axasniikangin (Dream Dancers) Unangax

Dance Troupe

Mt. Edgecumbe High School Yupik Dance Group

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

9:05 a.m. Invocation and Welcome

Chris Kiana, Inupiat, Native Veterans Assoc. of AK,

Posting the Colors

Julia Cooper, Eklutna Elder,Tribal Member & Trustee,

Dena’ina

Pastor Nathan Toots, First Covenant Church

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11/19/2008 Page 2 of 4

9:20 a.m. Welcome from Anchorage Community Leaders

Mayor Mark Begich, Anchorage

Margie Brown, CEO, Cook Inlet Region, Inc.

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

9:30 a.m.

Welcome - First Alaskans Institute & Alaska Federation

of Natives

Janie Leask, President, First Alaskans Institute

William Hensley, Chair, First Alaskans Institute

Julie Kitka, President, Alaska Federation of Natives

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

9:45 a.m. Welcome Address – Elder & Youth

Vincent Gregory – Yupik, Kalskag

Della Cheney – Tlingit/Haida, Kake

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

10:15 a.m. Conference Overview and Door Prize Drawing

Steven Holley, Tyonek

Chelsea Royal, Doyon

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

10:25 a.m. “Elders Through the Eyes of Youth”

Announcement of Film Competition Winner

Alaska Native Media, Inc.

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

10: 45 a.m. Retrospective -25 Years After the 1st Youth Council

Where are we now and how have the issues changed

since 1984? What are the opportunities our youth need

to be prepared for as our next generation of leaders?

Valerie Davidson, President, 1st Youth Council (1984)

Moderator

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11:30 a.m. Cultural Presentation

Kicaput Singers & Dancers, Yupik

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11:45 a.m. Lunch

On Your Own

11/19/2008 Page 3 of 4

11:45 a.m. UAA Campus Tour (confirmed)

Transportation provided by Holland America

Tour from 11:45 am – 3:00pm

Bus Pick up at

Dena’ina

Center

Tuesday, October 21 Dena’ina

Center

7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. –

5:00 p.m.

Registration

Registration is open until 4:00 p.m.

Business & Services Expo

Partnership with Alaska Native Professional Association

Idlughet 1

1st Floor

Idlughet

1st Floor

8:00 a.m. –

12:00 p.m.

Elder and Youth Interviews

Story Corp

CITC Mediak & Alaska Native Heritage Center High

School Media

Katnu 1-

2nd Floor

First Alaskans

Institute

8:00 a.m. Welcome and Early Bird Door Prizes

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

8:10 a.m. Cultural Presentation

Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagadim (LGG) Tsimshian Dancers

Imamsuat Dance Group, Suqpiaq

9:00 a.m. Welcome Address – Youth

Nicole Alek’aq Colbert,Yupik, Miss Indian World

2008/2009

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

9:20 a.m. Recognition of Our Native Living Treasures

Dr. Walter Soboleff

Introduction by Byron Mallott, Sealaska

Recognition of All Regions

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11/19/2008 Page 4 of 4

10:00 a.m. Keynote Address

Roberta Quintavell, President/CEO,

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

10:30 a.m.

11:05 a.m.

Cultural Presentation

Kitik Native Games Presentation

Sheila Randazzo, Inupiat

Callan Chythlook-Sitsof, U.S. National Snowboard Team,

Yupik & Inupiaq

2008 Champion, Jeep World Professional Ski &

Snowboard Championship

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11:15 a.m. Alaska Native Policy Center

Liz Cheney, Director, Alaska Native Policy Center

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

11:45 a.m. Lunch

On Your Own

1:00 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

The Rejuvenation of the Native Warrior Through the

Right to Vote

Natasha Singh & Daisy Stevens, Tanana Chiefs

Conference

Cultural Presentation

Guy Peters, Athabascan

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

1:30 p.m. Regional Breakouts

Regions will vote on resolutions from the Monday

resolutions workshop and elect 2008 Elder and Youth

council members

Arena

Ahtna, Inc. Tikahtnu - 3rd Floor

Aleut Corporation Tikahtnu - 3rd Floor

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation Tikahtnu D -3rd floor

Bering Straits Native Corporation Tikahtnu E -3rd floor

11/19/2008 Page 5 of 4

Bristol Bay Native Corporation Tubughnenq’ C - 2nd floor

Calista Corporation Tubughnenq’ D - 2nd floor

Chugach Alaska Corporation Tubughnenq’ E -2nd floor

Cook Inlet Regional Corporation Kahtnu A - 2nd floor

Doyon, Limited Kahtnu B -2nd floor

Koniag, Inc. Idlughet – 1st floor

NANA Idlughet – 1st floor

Sealaska Tikahtnu - 3rd Floor

13th Region

3rd floor hallway

3:15 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

Resolutions and Reports From Regional Breakouts


Benediction

Pastor Roger Holmberg

Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

4:30 p.m. Closing Cultural Performance - Pamyua Tikahtnu

3rd Floor

7:00 p.m. Youth Dance

7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Fraternal Order of the Alaska State

Troopers

Idlughet

1st floor

First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference Report 2008

Appendix B: Resolutions

2008 ELDERS/YOUTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

RESOLUTION 08 – 01

TITLE: RAISING AWARENESS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN

ALASKA

WHEREAS: Alaska has the highest rate of child sexual abuse in the nation;

and

WHEREAS: Parents need to acknowledge that child abuse happens; and

WHEREAS: Parents need to talk to their children about keeping their

bodies safe and that it is ok to tell;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates to the 2008 Elders

and Youth Annual Convention of the First Alaskans Institute that we, as Alaska

Natives, pledge to raise our awareness of and work to reduce child sexual abuse in

our villages, regions, state, education systems, and school districts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as the indigenous people of Alaska, we

shall come together to end the vicious cycle of child sexual abuse – focusing on

education and prevention.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order for these goals to be achieved,

funding sources need to be made available.

SUBMITTED BY: Vanessa Tahbone on behalf of Monica Chase, Kawerak Child

Advocacy Center

APPROVED BY: 2008 Elders and Youth Delegates DATE: October 21st, 2008



TITLE: CREATE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR TEENAGERS WHO HAVE

FAMILY MEMBERS WITH DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICATIONS

WHEREAS: Alaska Native /American Indians are a targeted minority of

the alcohol distributors; and

WHEREAS: Alaska Native /American Indians have unacceptably high

rates of drug and alcohol abuse; and

WHEREAS: Due to these high rates of abuse, teenagers with addicted

family members are more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol from these

“learned behaviors;” and

WHEREAS: As a result of home life exposure, Alaska Native/American

Indian teenagers face the day to day harmful effects of drug and alcohol addictions

that other teenagers are not exposed to; and

WHEREAS: Teenagers need a safe and nurturing atmosphere to share and

learn coping mechanisms to deal with the constant struggles of living and dealing

with family member addictions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates to the 2008 Elders

and Youth Annual Convention of the First Alaskans Institute to support the

creation of culturally appropriate support groups for and with teenagers of families

that deal with drug and alcohol addictions; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Native youth

should also support this through making healthy smart choices for themselves; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Native Organizations of Alaska

collaborate with one another to gather resources from federal, state, and other

organizations for funding to administer these support groups to Alaska

Native/American Indian teenagers across the state of Alaska.

SUBMITTED BY: Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak “Together As One Youth Group”

PPROVED BY: 2008 Elder and Youth Delegates DATE: October 21st, 2008


RESOLUTION 08-03

TITLE: HONORING ALASKA NATIVE CENTENARIANS AS LIVING

LEGENDS DURING ELDER & YOUTH AND AFN ANNUAL CONVENTIONS

WHEREAS: In October 2008 at the 25th

Anniversary Elders & Youth

Conference a discussion was held about the importance and precious nature of

Elders who have lived to be 100 years old, such as Hannah Solomon and Walter

Soboleff who each turn 100 this year; and

WHEREAS: Our Alaska Native Elders who celebrate their 100th

birthday

are Living Treasures; and

WHEREAS: It is important to acknowledge each and everyone who has

made and met this impressive benchmark in their lives, the lives of their families,

and their communities; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates to the 2008 Elder

and Youth Annual Convention of the First Alaskans Institute that from now on,

AFN and First Alaskans shall acknowledge and honor these Living Legends, these

centenarians, at each of their respective annual conventions, and that each

individual region shall be responsible for forwarding the names of their

centenarians no later than one month before said annual conventions so these

honored Living Legends can be properly acknowledged.

SUBMITTED BY: Resolutions Workshop Participants

APPROVED BY: 2008 Elder and Youth Delegates DATE: October 21st, 2008



TITLE: UNITE ELDERS AND YOUTH WITH AFN LEADERSHIP

WHEREAS: The Elders and Youth have been attending AFN for the past

twenty-five years; and

WHEREAS: Some or many of these years the Elders and Youth met

separately; and

WHEREAS: Resolutions from the Elders (War on Alcohol and Drugs) and

Youth (Veterans receive 160 acre allotment) result in local and Congressional

actions; and

WHEREAS: The Elders and Youth are allowed only Monday and Tuesday

to convene, which most feel is not enough time to fully attend to issues of major

importance; and

WHEREAS, for several years the Elders and Youth have asked for more

time and allowed space to meet on Wednesdays; and

WHEREAS: Elders and Youth return to their villages on Wednesday are

thereby excluded from the main convention Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and

WHEREAS: From the inception of AFN all delegates have consistently

recognized the wisdom of the Elders and the potential of our youth to fully interact

with AFN leaders who mentor and role model future leadership; and

WHEREAS: The Elders and Youth request the use of space and time to

meet on Wednesdays and for Marketplace Alaska to make accommodations to

honor this legitimate request; and

WHEREAS: The Elders and Youth request to be active participants in the

main convention Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to speak to issues and resolutions

offered from their three day convention; and

WHEREAS: After twenty-five years of Elders and Youth meetings, they

request to be truly united in attendance at AFN;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates of the 2008 Elders

and Youth Annual Convention of the First Alaskans Institute that the AFN voting

delegation instruct the AFN Board to take the necessary steps to truly unite the

Elders and Youth with the main AFN delegation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AFN Board take the necessary steps

to include Wednesday as a day for Elders and Youth to fully discuss proposed

resolution to the many issues (health, education, subsistence hunting and fishing,

etc.) facing us from yesterday, today and tomorrow; AND

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that after twenty-five years AFN step up to

and keep their promise to recognize the needs of Elders and Youth.

SUBMITTED: AFN Elders and Youth Council 2008




TITLE: SUPPORT OF AFN RURAL AND URBAN YOUTH TO ATTEND

CONVENTION

WHEREAS: Over the years a number of youth have been forced to move

from their villages due to schools closing and into urban communities and schools;

and

WHEREAS: Many of these youth feel separation anxiety, loss of identity,

and culture shock; and

WHEREAS: Many of these youth do not adapt well to urban schools; and

WHEREAS: Many of these youth feel homesick and left out of the

community nurturing and love that exist in their home communities; and

WHEREAS: Many of these youth are no longer able to participate in

subsistence activities of hunting and fishing with their parents, grandparents,

siblings, and friends; and

WHEREAS: The full week of AFN meetings provide the opportunity for

youth to meet their friends and relatives; and

WHEREAS: AFN allows them the opportunities to hear and act on current

issues facing rural and urban youth; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates of the 2008 Elders

and Youth Annual Convention of the First Alaskans Institute that the AFN

delegation vote to support and encourage rural and urban youth to attend AFN

gatherings and meetings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AFN Board instruct urban schools

to allow attendance of rural and urban youth to AFN without being penalized

“absent” which impacts their eligibility requirements to stay in school; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the school districts give credit to urban

youth who attend AFN, credit can be given for “History”, “Political Science”,

“Economics”, “Sociology”, “Anthropology”, “Art”, “Dancing, Singing, Arts and

Crafts”; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED the Elders and Youth Councils fully support

this resolution and request their resolution to be brought to the full convention for

support and appropriate action.

SUBMITTED: AFN Elders and Youth Council 2008


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