Denakkanaaga Elder/Youth Conference

 

If you are interested in your culture, want to listen and learn from the Elders, express a youth perspective on Native issues, dance, eat good food, and spend time with other delegates, then you should apply to be a youth delegate at Denakkanaaga.

Raymond Dutchman from Shageluk is interviewed by Youth Delegate Sonta Mae Hamilton

What is the Denakkanaaga Elder/Youth Conference?

The Denakkanaaga Elder/ Youth Conference is the annual meeting of Elder and Youth Delegates from throughout the TCC region. Each year Elder Delegates meet to discuss issues relating to the region, share program reports, stories and concerns, see old friends, and eat Native food. Since 1988, when the meeting became the Elder and Youth Conference, youth delegates have been participating.

Athabascan Values:

~Self sufficiency

~Caring

~Hard Work

~Village cooperation

~Care and provision for the family

~Responsibility to village

~Respect for Elders and others

~Family relations

~Respect for knowledge

~Unity

~Wisdom from life experiences

Humor 

~Respect for the land

~Honesty

~Respect for nature

~Fairness

~Practice of traditions

~Love for Children

~Honor ancestors

~Sharing

~Spirituality

What will I do as a Youth Delegate?

As a Youth Delegate at Denakkanaaga, you will travel to the host village and participate in many activities.

  • You will attend convention meetings and learn about issues facing Elders and Youth in the TCC region
  • You may participate in oral history interviews
  • You will share intergenerational information
  • You will be given the opportunity to hear what Elders have to say
  • You will represent your peers
  • You may speak to the delegation about issues important to you and youth
  • You will help with potlatch
  • You will participate in cultural events/activities


Nick Petruska from Nicholai is interviewed by a Youth Delegate in Tetlin

Why should I apply?


Attendance at Denakkanaaga is meant to be educational and fun. If you care about Elders and Elder issues, culture and youth issues, then you will be given the opportunity to learn and to express yourself.

You will also:
  • Meet people (young and older)
  • Gain leadership skills
  • Listen to old time stories

How do I apply?

Our recruitment process includes filling out the application form (You will need Adobe Acrobat) and writing an essay. The topic of the essay changes from year to year.

2006 Denakkanaaga Youth Delegate Recruitment Announcement

The theme is:    

“Elders Have the Wisdom, Youth Carry the Torch”

In your essay, please answer the following:

  • Describe one Elder you know and what you learned from them.
  • How can youth and Elders work together to create a stronger future for our people tomorrow?
  • Why are the Athabascan Values important?
  • What do you see in the future for our people?
Back up your statement with evidence and examples

Your essay should:

  • Be 1-2 pages long, 12 font, double spaced
  • Use complete sentences
  • Display proper use of paragraphs
  • Be typed or printed legibly
Be accompanied by the attached application and two letters of recommendation

Mail completed application, two letters of recommendation and essay to: 

Employment & Training Department
Youth Employment Services
122 First Avenue, Suite 600
Fairbanks , AK 99701
 

The deadline for applications is May 12, 2006

Once applications and essays are in, a panel of Youth Employment Services employees will read the essays and select delegates. Essays will be graded based on the above requirements and quality of information. We will contact you and prepare you for the conference.

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