Jennifer Canfield, KTOO - Juneau
Jennifer Canfield is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.
Concerns over tribal, corporate affiliation prompts candidate to withdraw AFN leadership bid
Southeast’s Joe Nelson withdrew his bid for a leadership position on the Alaska Federation of Natives board citing concerns from some in the delegation that the spot should go to a tribal representative.
Central Council, state working to expand tribal court jurisdiction
Southeast’s largest tribal organization will soon be able to offer an alternative to the court system for some criminal cases. Listen Now
White House rep announces domestic violence, sexual assault helpline
A new resource for Alaska Native and American Indian victims of domestic violence and sexual assault will be available in January.
Fairbanks mayor calls for compensation to Fairbanks Four, Alaska Innocence Project director honored
The Alaska Federation of Natives board and convention attendees made an impassioned plea to Gov. Bill Walker last year for the release of the Fairbanks Four — four men who were imprisoned for 18 years for a murder they say they did not commit. Two months later in December, the three men who were still in jail were released.
Walker describes ‘painful’ PFD decision, highlights new education commissioner
The Alaska Federation of Natives convention is scheduled to take place each year shortly after Permanent Fund Dividends are distributed. And plenty of that money gets spent in Anchorage or Fairbanks, depending on where the convention is held.
50th AFN convention begins today in Fairbanks
The 50th Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Fairbanks will open with a healing ceremony from the Alaska Suicide Prevention Council. The observance acknowledges a suicide that took place at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage during the final hour of the convention last year.
Central Council endorses Murkowski for U.S. Senate
The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska has endorsed Sen. Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.
Group working to bring remains of 15 Alaska Natives home from Pennsylvania
The remains of 15 Alaska Natives may soon journey home from the Carlisle Industrial Indian School in Pennsylvania. A small group of people working with the U.S. Army and the First Alaskans Institute have authored a resolution they hope to see passed at this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Fairbanks.
Alaska’s largest Native organization endorses Clinton for president
For the first time in its 50-year history, the Alaska Federation of Natives has endorsed a candidate for president — Hillary Clinton.
Day Two of Elders and Youth conference in Fairbanks
It's day two of the Elders and Youth conference in Fairbanks. Jennifer Canfield is in Fairbanks this week for KTOO, covering both the Elders and Youth gathering and the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention that will start on Thursday.
Elders and Youth conference kicks off today in Fairbanks
More than a thousand Alaska Natives, young and old, from across the state are meeting today at the 33rd annual Elders and Youth conference. The event, hosted by the First Alaskans Institute, is usually an opportunity for 13- to 18-year-olds to learn about leadership, civic engagement and consensus building alongside their elders. Listen Now
The meaning of names Part 5: The world of social media
In this final installment of a five-part series, Kyle Wark talks about the meaning of using his Native name online and how people are sometimes hesitant to speak it for fear of mispronouncing it. Download Audio
The meaning of names Part 4: The aftermath of generational trauma
Acknowledging this generational trauma of not being allowed to speak your Native tongue is what led Shyanne Chulyin Ch’ivaya Beatty to study Han Hwech’in, the language of her ancestors. In this fourth installment of a five-part series, Beatty talks about reclaiming identity through the use of Native names. Download Audio
The meaning of names Part 3: A time for change
In this third installment of a five-part series, Yéil Yádi Olson talks about why he thinks more people should start using their Native names. Download Audio
The meaning of names Part 2: A family history
Cordelia Qiġnaaq Kellie started using her Iñupiaq name at work a few years ago for practical reasons. In this second installment of a five-part series, Kellie talks about what her Native name tells people about her. Download Audio
The meaning of names Part 1: Indigenizing government
Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, however, has been using her Yup’ik name professionally for about 20 years. In this first installment of a five-part series on Alaska Native names, Davidson talked about the importance of her name as it relates to her role in Alaska’s state government. Download Audio
New federal rule could prevent litigation over Native children in state custody
Under new federal guidance, it will be easier for potential Alaska Native and Native American parents to adopt Native children in state custody. Download Audio
Family of man who died in Anchorage jail files wrongful death lawsuit against the state
The family of a former Juneau man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Department of Corrections. It’s the second wrongful death lawsuit filed against the department this year. Download Audio
Crown Princess makes unexpected stop in Juneau
The Crown Princess cruise ship arrived unexpectedly in Juneau on Sunday. The ship was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Kirby Day, manager of port operations for the Holland America Group, said operations in Vancouver -- where the ship’s journey began -- were slower than usual. Download Audio
Fishermen’s Memorial seeks new home
More than a hundred people gathered Saturday at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial Saturday for the Blessing of the Fleet and to pay tribute to the people whose names are engraved on the memorial. Download Audio