Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN)

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The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 165 federally recognized tribes, 146 village corporations, 12 regional corporations, and 12 regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and compact to run federal and state programs. AFN is governed by a 37-member board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention held each October. The mission of AFN is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community.

Alaska Native people began as members of full sovereign nations and continue to enjoy a unique political relationship with the federal government. They will survive and prosper as distinct ethnic and cultural groups and will participate fully as members of the overall society. The mission of AFN is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community. AFN’s major goals are to:

◾Advocate for Alaska Native people, their governments and organizations, with respect to federal, state and local laws;
◾Foster and encourage preservation of Alaska Native cultures;
◾Promote understanding of the economic needs of Alaska Natives and encourage development consistent with those needs;
◾Protect, retain and enhance all lands owned by Alaska Natives and their organizations; and
◾Promote and advocate for programs and systems which instill pride and confidence in individual Alaska Natives.