Photos: Apparent suicide at AFN conference

Laura Castaneda, wearing a green sweater and a necklace, prays for spiritual strength for the attendees in the conference hall at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention following a death at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center on October 17, 2015. “People are in shock. They may not be able to be in touch,” said Elsie Boudreau, who is wearing a flower kuspuk. “When there’s a death, it’s like there is a veil to the spirit world. We’re sending healing energy to the whole space. We’re sending comfort and healing into the hearts of the people who are here.” The team calls themselves “Returning to Harmony.” It is an elder group devoted to helping their Alaska Native community reconnect with each other and tradition. Also pictured is Elizabeth Sunnyboy, who has her eyes closed and hand raised, and Patrick Frank is wearing a black hat.