This year’s Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Annual Convention marked an important moment for Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) and Doyon, Limited as both organizations officially rejoined AFN after several years away. The 2025 theme, “Standing Strong, Standing United,” could not have been more fitting. From the opening ceremonies to the final gavel, the sense of unity, optimism, and shared purpose was felt throughout the convention hall. It was good to be back—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters from across Alaska to focus on the challenges and opportunities that unite us.
The Interior Region was well represented throughout the event. Natasha Singh, a Tribal member of Stevens Village, delivered this year’s keynote address, powerfully emphasizing the strength and sovereignty of Alaska Native people. Sam Demientieff of Holy Cross was recognized as Elder of the Year, an award that honors an Alaska Native Elder who exemplifies the highest values and qualities important to Native people—those who lead by example, preserve culture, and uplift their community through a lifetime of service. Rev. Dr. Anna Frank of Minto received the Citizen of the Year Award, which recognizes individuals whose commitment and leadership have made a lasting difference in improving the lives of Alaska Native people and rural communities. Both honorees have devoted their lives to teaching, guiding, and strengthening our people, and their recognition brought great pride to the Interior delegation.
TCC also congratulates Sharon Hildebrand on her election as the new AFN Interior Village Representative through unanimous consent of the Interior Caucus. This position, which was previously elected during TCC’s Annual Convention, is now elected at AFN—aligning the Interior with other regions across the state. TCC extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing representative Pearl Chanar for her many years of dedicated service and steadfast advocacy on behalf of Interior Alaska’s Tribal communities.
TCC submitted four resolutions at this year’s convention—each rooted in the values of cultural preservation, self-determination, and responsible stewardship of Alaska’s lands and communities. All four passed on the AFN floor. One calls for restoring the Indigenous name of Mount Foraker to Deenaalee Be’ot, meaning “child of Denali” or “Denali’s wife,” to honor Koyukon Athabascan heritage and restore traditional place names. Another urges the U.S. Department of the Interior to retain the ANCSA 17 D-1 Public Land Orders that protect wild food resources essential to Alaska Native subsistence and food security. A third resolution advocates for mandatory Indigenous orientation and cultural awareness training for all elected, appointed, and hired officials upon entering public service, to ensure that decision-makers understand the histories, laws, and sovereign rights of Indigenous Peoples. The final resolution calls for transferring closed school buildings in rural Alaska to Tribal Governments for use as community and cultural spaces—revitalizing villages while making practical use of existing infrastructure.
Together, these resolutions reflect TCC’s continued commitment to protecting our lands, uplifting our people, and advancing Tribal sovereignty. This year’s AFN Convention was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we stand together in unity. TCC is proud to once again have a seat at the table—joining in statewide discussions that shape the future of our communities, our lands, and our children.
To learn more about all of the resolutions passed at this year’s AFN Annual Convention, visit: https://nativefederation.org/resolutions-archive/
