After the season's first frost but before the first heavy snowfall, the event that brings Alaskans from communities in our state's farthest corners to the heart of downtown Anchorage is the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention.
While news stories and photos of delegates voting on resolutions dominate the media for much of the week, it is the opportunity to recognize and honor Alaska's rich cultural heritage that I look forward to most.
Long before Alaska was purchased from the Russians and years ahead of achieving statehood, Alaska Native people called this land home. Numerous generations of Alaska's First People maintained a close connection with the land, built communities and subsisted for food.
Though we have ushered in the 21st century and our day-to-day lives have experienced great transformation, this rich history has laid the foundation for a successful future.
Anchorage -- Alaska's largest city --is home to a multitude of cultures as well as largest Alaska Native population in the state. This rich cultural diversity is what prompted me, during my tenure as mayor, to hire the Municipality of Anchorage's first rural director. I believed, and I still do, that a vibrant rural Alaska ensures a strong state. I have carried this philosophy with me to the U.S. Senate.
Fisheries, small air carriers, cargo companies and the development of our natural resources have a deep connection to rural Alaska. Whether it is the physical location of those resources or the vast regions our local businesses serve, much of our state's economic success is rooted in and driven by the success of rural and Alaska Native communities.
All someone needs to do is look at Anchorage's skyline today and it is evident the Alaska Native community has not only been successful, but is a major engine in our state's diverse economic growth.
Alaska's top performing companies include several Alaska Native Corporations -- four of which are billion dollar companies -- employing 13,000 people throughout the state.
Despite these financial achievements, it is the self-determination, cultural values and traditional knowledge of our First People that makes Alaska unique.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It was the need to address Alaska Native aboriginal land rights, through the passage of this legislation, which prompted the creation of AFN.
May we never forget the young Alaska Native leaders -- such as Byron Mallott, Willie Hensley, and Oliver Leavitt -- who ensured their communities' voices were heard.
Today, AFN is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Created to advocate for equitable policies and their implementation, the organization evolved into a leading voice on Alaska Native social and economic issues. The annual convention, which begins this week, will bring nearly 5,000 delegates together to focus on priorities and goals for the coming year while also supporting Alaska small businesses.
As community members and elected officials come together to discuss challenges, I am grateful for their insight and the new generation of leaders they have brought up.
This includes young CEOs Jason Metrokin, Aaron Schutt and Michelle Anderson; non-profit directors Elizabeth Medicine Crow and Gloria O'Neill; Native athletes Callan Chythlook-Sifsof and John Baker; young Native artists Pamyua, Robin Lovelace-Smith and Sonya Kelliher-Combs; and associations such as the Native Emerging Leaders Forum will ensure the next 10 generations of Alaska Native people continue to thrive.
Take some time to reflect and appreciate the history of our state--not just since statehood -- but since time immemorial. If you see someone visiting Anchorage to attend AFN, provide a warm welcome. You're likely to make a new friend.
Mark Begich was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008.
By SEN. MARK BEGICH