Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:09 — 40.6MB) | Embed

Declining salmon numbers are threatening the way of life for Alaska Natives, according to a report by the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), the largest Native organization in Alaska. And report findings are similar across regions: concern about the future of food security in rural villages, frustration with state and federal management of waterways, and difficulty maintaining sacred traditions. Many residents also face fishing restrictions on rivers like the Kuskokwim and Yukon. It’s a key issue for Native voters to weigh during midterm elections. We’re broadcasting live from the AFN Convention in Anchorage.

GUESTS

Charles Wright (Athabascan), secretary and treasurer for Tanana Chiefs Conference

Frank Grunert (Native Village of Chignik Lagoon), fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:02 — 40.5MB) | Embed

Hundreds of Native people from across the state will discuss issues such as declining salmon populations, voting rights, and education funding at this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage. For some, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis remains a top priority. In recent years, law enforcement agencies in Alaska have worked to improve protocols for handling missing persons cases and even established a MMIP Review Commission. But some Indigenous advocates say critical issues, like how cases are classified, how homicide cases are investigated, and how jurisdiction is determined, persist in creating obstacles for justice. We’ll hear from Native MMIP advocates about new and longstanding challenges.

GUESTS

Charlene Aqpik Apok (Iñupiaq), executive director of Data For Indigenous Justice

Michael Livingston (Unangax̂), retired Alaska Native police officer

Deilah Johnson (Iñupiaq), tribal resources director and council member for the Village of Solomon

Shaun Griswold (Laguna, Jemez, and Zuni Pueblo), reporter with Buffalo’s Fire

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:14 — 37.9MB) | Embed

In 1966, as Alaska Native leaders worked to secure their lands, Emil Notti (Koyukon Athabascan) helped form the Alaska Federation of Natives. Notti became its first president and later served as a key negotiator of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which was passed nearly 55 years ago. He also held various roles in government and business. At AFN’s 60th anniversary, we’ll speak with Notti, now 93, about his work.

We’ll also speak with Miaraq, Warren Jones (Gwich’in, Yup’ik, and Iñupiaq), an accomplished writer and philosopher, whose work focuses on the Cicumpolar North. Jones is also a longtime advocate for Native subsistence and land rights.

GUESTS

Emil Notti (Koyukon Athabascan), founding president of the Alaska Federation of Natives

Warren Jones (Gwich’in, Yup’ik and Iñupiaq), philosopher, writer, and Native rights advocate

Wallace Ungwiluk (Yupik), 2026 AFN Roger Lang Youth Leadership awardee