Monday, October 19, 2026

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The 43rd annual Statewide Elders and Youth Conference got underway Sunday at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

Hosted by First Alaskans Institute, the gathering brings together Alaska Native Elders, youth, and community leaders to celebrate Indigenous cultures, strengthen relationships, and discuss challenges facing their communities.

This year’s theme comes from the Denaakk’e, or Koyukon Athabascan, language and translates to “We are approaching change.”

According to First Alaskans Institute, the theme reflects how Alaska Native communities are adapting to changing landscapes, including shifts in weather, waterways, traditional foods, and ways of life.

The afternoon opening ceremony starts with a traditional Warming of the Hands, followed by an opening prayer and several Alaska Native dance group performances.

The first day also includes auditions for Natives Got Talent, ahead of Monday evening’s talent showcase.

Organizers say the conference provides an opportunity for Elders to pass down traditional knowledge while giving younger generations a voice in decisions affecting their futures.

Monday’s agenda includes a keynote address from Koyukon Athabascan leader Emil Notti, the first president of the Alaska Federation of Natives.

Participants will also take part in a Koyukon language panel, regional breakout discussions and a panel focused on co-management.

The opening day also features a screening of the documentary, “Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food“.

Directed by Alaska Native filmmaker Alexis Anoruk Sallee, the 26-minute film explores the importance of traditional subsistence practices in Arctic Alaska Native communities.

It follows families and hunters as they harvest, prepare, and share traditional foods, while examining the challenges posed by climate change and changing diets.

The film highlights how subsistence connects Alaska Native communities to their cultural identities, health, and future generations.

The conference includes workshops and cultural activities throughout the week, providing opportunities for participants to share skills, stories and Indigenous knowledge.

First Alaskans Institute says the gathering is about more than preserving traditions. It is also about preparing Alaska Native communities to navigate the changes ahead.

The conference continues through Wednesday, ahead of the AFN Convention in Anchorage.

Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president squared off last week in the final debate before the election.

KNAU’s Chris Clements has more.

The debate focused on opposition to AI data centers and uranium mining, allegations of corruption within the tribe’s government, and the resolution of the tribe’s water rights claims.

Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley is running for president and said, if elected, she would continue her work to bring water to the Navajo Nation.

“I will continue to challenge Congress, and I will continue to work with the Water Rights Commission and also our communities because it is long overdue.”

Attorney Justin Jones is running against Curley.

If elected, he said he would support lobbying state governments to approve a federal deal that would resolve the Navajo Nation’s water claims.

“We need to do some serious lobbying, not only in Washington but also in the Upper and Lower Colorado compacts and commissions.”

The federal deal stalled earlier this year after neighboring states blocked it.

And on this day in 1868, a violent confrontation erupted in Kona, Hawaiʻi, between followers of Native Hawaiian religious leader Kaʻona and authorities attempting to evict them from their settlement.

The clash left Sheriff Richard Neville dead and led to a government crackdown on the religious movement.

 

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Check out today’s Native America Calling episode

Monday, October 19, 2026 — Native in the Spotlight: Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly