Bristol Bay Youth Leadership Forum applications due Oct. 9

High school students from the Bristol Bay region have until Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. to apply for the 2026 Bristol Bay Youth Leadership Forum in Anchorage. The event listing posted by Bristol Bay Native Corporation gives two different start dates: Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m., and forum dates of Dec. 9-11.

BBNC co-hosts the forum with United Tribes of Bristol Bay and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus. UTBB says on its website that it co-hosts the event "With partners at BBNC & the UAF Bristol Campus, we co-host the Bristol Bay Youth Leadership Forum each year, bringing together Bristol Bay high school" students interested in developing their leadership skills. The forum covers leadership development, college and vocational career pathways, and issues affecting Native communities. UTBB also runs a Youth Empowerment Project focused on Indigenous advocacy and environmental justice.

The adult Bristol Bay Leadership Forum follows Dec. 10-11 in Anchorage. BBNC says it has brought regional leaders together for more than four decades. Village corporations, city and village councils, boroughs and community organizations use the gathering to discuss current and emerging priorities for the region.

Katelyn Armstrong at BBNC is the contact for session proposals, due Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.