Here’s what to know as the AFN convention gets underway

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO STREAM FROM THE 2019 AFN CONVENTION

The state’s eyes this week will be on the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Fairbanks, where thousands of Alaska Natives are converging for the annual three-day assembly encompassing politics, art and culture.

One of the largest Native gatherings in the U.S., the event, which begins Thursday, is a big deal for politicians, policymakers and others who interact with the Native people and groups who will be there, representing close to one-fifth of Alaska’s population.

Speakers will include U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr, live by video to address public safety problems in rural Alaska; leading state politicians, including Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who has grappled with AFN over his large budget cuts; and keynote speaker Pete Kaiser, who will tell his story as an Alaska Native winner of the 2019 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The Grammy-winning band Portugal. The Man will be recognized for calling attention to urgent indigenous issues.

[AFN convention to shine a spotlight on ‘good government’ following year of budget upheaval]

The meeting will be held at the Carlson Center. The theme is “Good Government, Alaskan Driven," and will focus on improving government services.

Here are a few things to know about the 53rd annual AFN convention.

What is AFN?

It brings Alaska Natives together from diverse corners of Alaska to set a yearlong political and social course for AFN, the state’s largest Native organization. More than 4,000 AFN delegates representing their communities gather to discuss and approve resolutions designed to improve life for Alaska Natives and press decision-makers for change. The first AFN convention was held in 1966, when more than 400 Natives gathered in Anchorage to fight for ownership of lands they’d long occupied. It led to a federal settlement act in 1971 that made Native corporations the state’s largest private landowners.

Where do I tune in?

The convention is open to the public. If you can’t make it to Fairbanks, you can watch it live on 360 North, on GCI Channel 907 and on Alaska Rural Communications Service or ARCS. Also, 90.3 FM KNBA provides coverage of the event starting at 8 a.m. each day.

What time does it start?

Ceremonies start at 8 a.m. daily. They end at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where is the art show?

It will be held in the pavilion beside the Carlson Center. More than 170 artists and craftsmen will sell an array of items, such as ivory carvings, bone-handle knives, handmade clothing and jewelry and other modern and traditional creations. Tip: If you want it, buy it fast. Inventories are limited.

The art show will start at 8 a.m. each morning. It ends at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Where are the traditional dance shows?

A highlight of the convention are the Quyana Alaska dance performances, held Thursday and Friday nights from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Carlson Center. Fourteen traditional dance groups from villages around Alaska will perform, seven each night. The dancing is broadcast live.

Tickets are limited and cost $10 per person, but children under 5 are admitted free. Ticket sales start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Carlson Center. Most tickets will be sold Thursday, but a limited number will still be available Friday morning starting at 9:30 a.m.

Where can I learn more about the convention?

Visit afnfairbanks.com, organized by Fairbanks supporters. It includes a list of local businesses with AFN specials and other details. You can also learn more at nativefederation.org, the AFN site.

What are some of the convention-floor highlights?

Thursday highlights:

9:05 a.m. Gov. Dunleavy gives the State of Alaska address.

9:40 a.m. Keynote address from Pete Kaiser, an Alaska Native musher who won the 2019 Iditarod.

10:10 a.m. AFN presents the Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing a Native person who has shown a strong commitment to the Native community.

10:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Panels of Alaska Native leaders and politicians will discuss ways to improve state government, asking first, “What is Good Government?" and in the later panel, “What is Alaskan Driven?”

1:45 p.m. Special report from Tara Sweeney, assistant secretary of Indian Affairs in the Interior Department.

2:10 p.m. U.S. Attorney General Barr will appear live by video for a panel discussion targeting public safety problems in rural Alaska. Barr will give special remarks, along with U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan.

3:10 p.m. A panel of federal, state and municipal officials will address ways to solve high levels of violence against Native women and children.

4:10 p.m. AFN will recognize Alaska-grown band Portugal. The Man. The group has called attention to missing and murdered indigenous women and other Native issues.

Friday highlights:

8:50 a.m. Sophie Minich, president of Cook Inlet Region Inc., will give a report on “Taking a Stand." The Alaska Native regional corporation in Anchorage has been a vocal supporter of the effort to recall the governor after he made large cuts to begin closing a $1.6 billion deficit.

9 a.m. A panel of economists will discuss a path forward for Alaska’s fragile economy, one that goes beyond just budget cuts or new taxes.

9:30 a.m. Rep. Don Young is scheduled to give a live video address from Washington, D.C.

10:10 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Panels of experts will focus on improving public education, health and welfare in Alaska.

4:10 p.m. A panel of experts will discuss ways to improve the state’s criminal justice system, after a recent court order warned of overloaded public defenders leading to delayed criminal trials and justice for victims and defendants.

Saturday highlights:

9:25 a.m. Presentation of the Denali Award, given by AFN to a non-Native who has shown strong commitment to the Native community.

9:40 a.m. Address from Sen. Murkowski.

10 a.m. AFN delegates consider resolutions for the year.

1:45 p.m. Address from Sen. Sullivan.

2:05 p.m. President’s Awards ceremony for service in areas that include public service, health, culture, parenting and youth leadership.