FOR Immediate release
contact: Andrea Sanders
Elders & Youth Media Coordinator
907.227.9186 (cell)
asanders@firstalaskans.org
First Alaskans Institute Hosts 28th Annual Elders & Youth Conference
(October 12, 2011 – Anchorage, AK) The 28th annual Elders & Youth Conference hosted by First Alaskans Institute (FAI) takes place October 17th-19th at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Preparing for the Future is the 2011 conference theme. Elaine Chooshaa Abraham, John Quniaq Baker, and Adele Argaitchiaq Solski, are the three featured keynote speakers.
Unique to the 2011 conference are the Men’s and Women’s Houses. The Houses are designed to honor a not so long-ago, past-time within Alaska Native culture and will be a time for Alaska Native youth to learn with intension and vigor about the strength of our men and the power of our women. President/CEO Denise Morris states, “We at First Alaskans Institute take pride in learning our ancestral traditional knowledge from the past and incorporating present day practices which serve as the springboard for our future.”
Arts and cultural demonstrations, language circles, and an EXPO Opportunities Exhibit Hall will be offered to participants. The Elders & Youth Conference workshops will fall into the themes of: Leadership and Education, Resiliency, Health and Wellness, Culture and Language, and Land, Law and Policy. The workshops are a time for deeper connections and learning to happen. Each session is unique and will be lead by a wide variety of community leaders from across the state.
Those not able to attend in person are encouraged to watch the conference live on GCI channel 1, 360North, and ARCS, or online at FAI’s website firstalaskans.org. Register online or at the door the cost is $50.00 for youth and adults, and free for Elders over 65.
FAI strives to develop the capacities of Alaska Native people and their communities to meet the social, economic and educational challenges of the future, while fostering positive relationships among all segments of our society. FAI is a state-wide non-profit organization whose purpose is to advance Alaska Natives.
The Elders & Youth Conference has been generously funded by the various corporate sponsors across the state. Please visit our website for a complete listing.
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606 E Street Suite 200 ∙ Anchorage, AK 99501 ∙ Tel: 907.677.1700 ∙ Fax 907.677.1780 ∙ www.firstalaskans.org