AFN gives delegates another week to file convention resolutions

The Alaska Federation of Natives gave delegates another week to file resolutions for October's convention, moving the deadline from Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 28.

Resolutions are how AFN sets statewide positions. Delegates passed 42 last year.

Each must address a single issue of statewide or broader significance and carry a one-paragraph problem statement. Only recognized Alaska Native delegates or members in good standing may submit them, and resolutions from the First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference follow the same process.

Some categories go elsewhere. Funding requests go to the AFN Board or to a regional or local organization in consultation with the sponsor. So do endorsements, commendations, recognitions and divisive issues. The resolutions committee may refer requests for legal action.

Some AFN leaders say the statewide-significance rule crowds out local concerns, and that routing resolutions to the Board reduces delegates' control over the outcome.

The 60th annual convention opens Oct. 22 at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage.