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2026 First Alaskans Statewide Elders & Youth Conference Call for Proposals: Language Circle Hosts, Artists, Cultural Bearers, Community Organizations & Leaders

Language of the Year: Denaakk'e / Koyukon

Enaa neenyo (welcome / precious you came in Denaakk'e / Koyukon)!

Enaa baasee' (thank you) for volunteering your time and energy to share your knowledge and support our Elder and youth participants.

43rd Annual Statewide Elders & Youth Conference
October 18–21, 2026
Anchorage, Alaska
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center

Please submit a separate proposal for each workshop, lesson, or performance you are interested in teaching or hosting.

Conference Purpose & Objectives
  • Provide opportunities for Elders and youth to interact and learn from one another;
  • Inspire pride in cultural identity and heritage;
  • Deepen understanding of community, culture, traditions, family, and self, and the unique role each person plays in our collective identity;
  • Strengthen engagement with topics relevant to Alaska Native communities;
  • Empower youth leadership, innovation, commitment, and the sharing of knowledge;
  • Foster statewide networking, dialogue, and community building;
  • Support participants in carrying forward what they've learned by nurturing ongoing practices of learning and leadership.
Timeline
  • Proposal review begins on a rolling basis (Call for Proposals accepted until all sessions are filled)
  • Presenter invitations sent on a rolling basis
  • Conference format finalized the week of September 21, 2026
  • Workshops presented October 18-21, 2026
The deadline for proposals is July 17. In the event that not all workshop sessions are filled, FAI will continue to receive applications past July 17, on a rolling basis, until all workshops are filled. Baasee' for your thoughtful contributions and ideas, which will help guide us in creating a meaningful and memorable conference.

For more information, please contact us at jitshla@firstalaskans.org or call (907) 677-1700.

Proposal Deadline: July 17, 2026
1.Please complete the following contact information:
2.The Elders & Youth Conference is a culturally-radiant and safe place for our Elders, youth, and other participants. We work to ensure that those presenting, working with, and sharing time with our precious participants are committed to this as well. We would never knowingly subject our participants to anyone with a history of child or Elder abuse - physical, sexual, mental, financial, or other forms of abuse. By submitting this Call for Proposals, you are confirming that you and the co-presenters understand this and are also committed to it. This is a condition of registration in order for us to best protect our conference participants and ensure a culturally vibrant and safe space.(Required.)
3.Please share more about your presentation interest:
4.Check all delivery options that interest you for this presentation:
  • Alaska Native Language Circle - Lead a language session that encourages participants to practice and grow their love of language learning.
  • Living & Loving Our Cultures Workshop - Facilitate a hands-on activity that celebrates our Native ways of life. Supplies will be provided for participants, who will self-select workshops. Presenters will be asked to prepare materials and kits. Examples include storytelling, song and dance, beading, sewing, carving, survival skills, drawing, string games, and hunting.
  • Elder Coffeetime - For Elders interested in sharing a story, teachings, or words of wisdom with Elder and youth participants in an informal, welcoming setting.
  • Men's, Women's, & LGBTQA2S+ Houses - Engage with, host, facilitate, or support a House of your choice.
  • Community Engagement Workshop - Share a 10-15 minute plenary message or lead a workshop on topics important to Indigenous communities.
  • Lunch & Learn - Offer a one-hour presentation on topics important to Indigenous communities or provide in-depth information about an organization or opportunity. Presenters are responsible for providing lunch.
5.Please share a bulleted outline schedule for your workshop, presentation, performance, etc.
Example:
-Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
-Presenter & Participant Introductions
-Talking Circle about importance of salmon to our communities
-Facts about salmon habitat
-Teach salmon song & dance
-Everyone share 1 take away from this session
-Closing
6.We value interactive and engaging workshops that create space for our Elders and youth to work together. How will you ensure that this workshop, presentation, performance, etc. is interactive for participants?
7.Answer yes or no: I understand that if selected as a presenter or teacher I may be requested to expand or shorten my presentation time or format, depending on Elders & Youth needs and space availability. As FAI finds ways to Indigenize Elders & Youth, FAI seeks flexibility to create engaging formats for participants from the lens of the overall experience to amplify the purpose and theme.
8.FAI does not provide financial compensation to presenters. If selected, presenters will be asked to register for the conference (once confirmed by FAI staff).
9.All proposals submitted at this time will be waitlisted pending space availability at the Dena'ina Conference Center.

Please email FAI to let them know you submitted a workshop proposal and we'll get back to you as soon as we are able.(Required.)