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Alaska Native Communities Investing In Immigration Reform
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention entered second day today. On the agenda: Affordable Care Act opportunities, arctic policy and suicide prevention.
Attendees are also hearing a lot this year about a topic that isn’t usually associated with native issues- immigration. Sealaska President and CEO Chris McNeil has been at the helm of the Southeast Alaska Native corporation for the past 12 years. Now, the Native community is investing energy into immigration reform.
Bush Caucus Takes Stand On Rural Issues
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Bryce Edgmon with the Bush caucus of the Alaska legislature spoke to AFN delegates this morning. Edgmon, a Democrat from Dillingham, said the caucus took a forceful stance against the photo ID mandates for voter registration and against the proposal to amend the state constitution for using state dollars for non public schools.
Massive Landslide Covers Stretch Of Denali Park Road
Josh Edge, APRN – Anchorage
A massive landslide has blocked the Denali Park Road near mile 37. Crews are already working to clear the road, but they aren’t likely to finish the job until next spring.
Report Acknowledges Importance Of Traditional Knowledge In Mitigating Climate Change
Brooke Binkowski, APRN Contributor
The traditional knowledge from Native groups in the circumpolar North may be a key part of mitigating rapid climate change. That’s according to a report released Wednesday by the Arctic Council.
Interest In Health Care Enrollment Expected To Pick Up In Juneau
Lisa Phu, KTOO – Juneau
Enrolling in the new federal marketplace is off to slow start in the capital city. Ongoing technical issues with the insurance website have made it difficult, but those charged with helping Juneau residents enroll expect interest will pick up.
Groundskeeper Charged With Attempting To Poison Brown Bears
Emily Forman, KCAW – Sitka
Wildlife troopers in Sitka say they’ve charged the Sea Mountain Golf Course groundskeeper for attempting to poison brown bears. An investigation revealed that the golf course employee, Kevin Taranoff, placed food laced with anti-freeze coolant near the Sea Mountain Restaurant. The poisonous food could be what killed two dogs that died after visiting the area last week.
AK: Native Crafts
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is focused on serious issues and politics. But one of the most popular attractions at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks is a massive ten filled with Native arts and crafts. The vendors’ tent offers a lot of traditional works, with a few surprises:
300 Villages: Alaska Federation Of Natives
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Although it isn’t a standard village, AFN is a community that pops up for a few days each fall, bringing together people from across the state. Attendees talk about why that community is so important.
