The Alaska Federation of Natives wrapped up its annual convention on Saturday but will hold a leadership forum on conflict resolution next year to consider some controversial issues.

The forum was created to address several anti-development resolutions. AFN tried to keep them off the convention floor to avoid a heated debate.

But one big issue did make it to the floor. AFN passed a resolution to set up a commission that could seek to amend the state constitution to recognize Native subsistence rights.

Not everything was serious at the convention. Mary Ann Sundown, an 87-year-old elder from Scammon Bay, wowed thousands at AFN's cultural showcase with her distinct and humorous dance style.

Get the Story:
AFN leaders delay hot-button resolutions (The Anchorage Daily News 10/29)
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AFN votes to pursue amendment (The Anchorage Daily News 10/29)
Yup'ik diva dances once more (The Anchorage Daily News 10/27) $ad1 Relevant Links:
Alaska Federation of Natives - http://www.nativefederation.org

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