Comments on: Alaska Federation of Natives Convention Starts Today

By: CRFlats

CRFlats — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:06:30 +0000

Today was the first day of AFN’s convention, but earlier in the week, Monday and Tuesday was the Elders and Youth conference by First Alaskans Institute. A great two days. The workshops on language were inspiring; watching the elder Native language speakers looking on with such pride to see the youth embracing the language. The indigenous languages of Alaska are going extinct, and the future existence of the languages rests now with the youth. To watch these “emerging leaders” such as Liz Hensley and so many others, is to know the future is in good hands.

By: Polly

Polly — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:45:51 +0000

The LiveFEED is great. Keep it on for background. Dancing now.

By: taku

taku — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:14:19 +0000

read the book—-it was awesome—–worked with Willie years ago—-he was awesome….thanks for the post hyping the book…..

By: seattlefan

seattlefan — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:11:17 +0000

Regarding Willie Hensley’s book: The title intrigues me and so does your recommendation. I will definitely be adding it to my growing “to read” list.

Can you provide any information about when the PBS special will be airing for the Rights of All?

By: akmuckraker

akmuckraker — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:58:52 +0000

I attended a book club after reading Hensley’s book, and the guest of honor was Willie Hensley himself! I was a bit overwhelmed and spent all my time listening rather than talking. He is a powerful presence.

The link up there in the blog will take you to the Mudflats Amazon Shop where you can order the book online if anyone wants to.

By: Martha Unalaska Yard Sign

Martha Unalaska Yard Sign — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:21:30 +0000

@ Martha

Today’s open thread is the story of Buf!

By: HistoryGoddess

HistoryGoddess — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:42:45 +0000

I read the book several weeks ago and really learned a great deal. I strongly recommend it. After reading the AK blogs faithfully since August 29, 2008 (sound of thunder and ominous music), I found I knew many of the politicians he wrote about. I’m jealous of those of you able to meet him.

By: Soldotna Sue

Soldotna Sue — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:10:30 +0000

A friend and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Anchorage. Everywhere we went (restaurants, stores, and the hotel) there were many native people from all over the state. What a delightful addition to our outing so see all of the beautiful smiling faces, happy families, and people full of friendly conversations among themselves and with us. The native people all seemed so happy to be in Anchorage and meeting with friends and family from all over the state and we just got to experience and enjoy all of the goodwill. What a wonderful time to be in Anchorage!

By: boodog

boodog — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:09:02 +0000

I’ll be buying ‘Fifty Miles from Tomorrow” as soon as I find it. I think there is a lack of knowledge of all our native Americans’ history, even more for the Alaskan native people. If we become more familiar with people and their culture, maybe then we can stop the abuse and anger against them. I would think books like this should be mandatory reading in the Alaska school system. All schools for that matter.

By: twain12

twain12 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:23:45 +0000

would love to watch the PBS documentary…have to look out for it