First Alaskans Institute2018 Elders & Youth Conference

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35th Annual Elders & Youth Conference
October 15-17, 2018 with a Warming of the Hands Gathering on October 14
Dena’ina Center — Anchorage, AK

The First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference is a dynamic convening bringing our Elders and youth together to strengthen cultural continuity through inter-generational relationships which deepen their abilities to be leaders across Alaska and the world. This year marks the 35th annual statewide convening and First Alaskans Institute continues to be honored to steward this gathering of our most precious community members.

The conference will be held on Monday through Wednesday, October 15-17, 2018, at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska, with a Warming of the Hands gathering on Sunday, October 14.

Our 2018 Elders & Youth theme, Na Ganiyaatgm, Na Lagm (Our Ancestors, Our Fire), speaks to the flame within each of us that keeps us connected to our Ancestors, our homelands and to what makes us uniquely distinct as Native peoples of this land. We will ask ourselves at this year’s Elders & Youth, “What will we add to this fire to keep it burning brightly?”

We thank our 2018 Statewide Elders & Youth Council, FAI staff and other members of our community whose thoughtful contributions and ideas led to our final theme. New this year, we will highlight one of our Alaska Native languages by using it for our theme. Each year thereafter, we will feature another language. This year’s theme language is Sm’algyax.

We anticipate over 1,000 registered attendees this year, plus several hundred more supportive adults, exhibitors and community members. This is the largest gathering of its kind in Alaska, broadcast on television statewide and webcast across the world.

With support from the community each year, we connect youth participants with each other, experienced leaders, and Elders to strengthen their voices as advocates for positive change. The Conference helps to increase pride and knowledge-sharing through celebration of our Native peoples, communities, and cultures, and also helps increase the level of community partnerships across Alaska.

Nt’oyaxsism, Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, Qaĝaasskung, Quyana, Enaa Baasee’, Quyanaqpak! Thank you very much to our 2018 Elders and Youth Conference Sponsors!