Defining Our Future
Mayor's Report Week of November 3, 2003

The Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention was a positive and productive event this year from my perspective. While there are always governmental issues of concern, at both a federal and state level, I believe the Native people and others in attendance left Anchorage with a sense that we are working to resolve those issues. Most importantly, there was a consistently positive message that our future is in our own hands. It is ours to shape and determine.

Education is clearly the key to our future well-being. Contemporary education, featuring math, writing, science and technology will provide the Native people with abundant choices for careers and allow freedom of movement to live wherever they choose. At the same time, traditional cultural education will provide a sense of peace and confidence that will contribute to everyone's ability to lead busy, happy and productive lives. I was especially inspired by the speech of guest speaker Della Warrior, who is President of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Cultural Arts Development. Her address was entitled "Harnessing the Power of Higher Education: Cultural Sovereignty Through Economic Enterprise." Della received a standing ovation from the AFN audience.

Esther Norton, an elder from Kotzebue, spoke about her sewing and a lifetime of staying busy as key elements to happiness. Esther used humor to get her message across. It made me proud to be a resident of the same village!

Ruth Adams of Kivalina received the "Healing Hands" award for her life of achievement as a tribal doctor. In her acceptance speech, she called upon our youth to take control of their lives by keeping alcohol out of those lives. I was very proud of her and her comments they were very well received.

Of all the governmental speakers that were heard, Senator Lisa Murkowski drew the most praise. She indicated a total commitment to doing everything possible to encourage retention of the Native languages of our State. She seems to truly understand that Native culture and language are inseparable. Her extensive travel to villages around the state over the last year added a great deal to her perspective.

While all the presentations, panel discussions, resolutions and entertainment provide for long and enjoyable days, the trademark of AFN continues to be the fact that it is an annual reunion of Native people. Traditional foods and regional products are exchanged, beautiful artwork is proudly displayed, songs and dances are shared, and our people have the opportunity to tell stories, share information about their families, and laugh with people that they see just once a year.

As a final note, I was surprised and honored to receive the annual Hunter/Fisher Award for 2003. I would like to thank KIC for nominating me for the award - that alone was a great honor. Those who know me understand how important hunting has been for me throughout my entire life. I was lucky enough to have been taught well by my father and I have tried to share that knowledge with my own children and other children throughout our region.

Many of us hunters work hard providing subsistence foods for our immediate and extended families, never looking at recognition as the end product. Instead, we anticipate and accept the Elders gift to us: "Taikuu, you will get more in return. You will become a better hunter for giving me food." These two statements say it all for those of us who hunt actively. Always share your bounty but never hunt so much that you destroy what you have. In other words, hunt enough where you can feed others but don't overhunt your resource. Respect all that you hunt and you will always have plenty to hunt. Have a great winter hunting season…whenever it becomes winter.