The Alaska Federation of Natives wrapped up their annual convention with the usual process of amending and voting on resolutions.
The resolutions process was similar to past conventions except for the notable difference this year of candidate endorsements. AFN doesn’t usually endorse political candidates and delegates took an hour and a half behind locked doors to decide whether or not to approve a resolution seeking to endorse Mark Begich for U.S. Senate and Bill Walker for Governor.
After the lengthy session, the doors were unlocked and attendees streamed into the room to hear the decision. Greg Razo, an AFN board member and chair of the resolutions committee made the announcement.
“Consideration of resolution 14-46. A resolution entitled a resolution endorsing Mark Begich as candidate for the office of United States Senator for Alaska. As well as resolution 14-47, a resolution entitled, resolution endorsing Bill Walker and Byron Mallott for Governor and Lt Governor of the state of Alaska were discussed. I can report that both resolutions passed, “Razo said.
AFN’s theme this year was ‘Rise as One’. The annual convention concluded on Saturday afternoon.
Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452. Read more about Lori here.
Jennifer Canfield is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.