Julie Kitka, the president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, stands at podium. Photo from Facebook

The Alaska Federation of Natives kicks off its annual convention in Anchorage today.

Some 5,000 people are expected for the event, which is being held at the Dena’ina Center. The theme -- "Rise as One" -- emphasizes unity on issues like languages, child welfare and subsistence.

But since it's an election year, there will also be a lot of politicking. The candidates for the governor's office, a highly-coveted U.S. Senate seat, and the state's lone Congressional representative will all be making appearances at AFN in hopes of winning votes and endorsements.

The conference will be streamed live on AFN's website. It kicks off at 8:30am Alaska time.

Get the Story:
With endorsements at stake, candidates look to AFN convention (The Alaska Dispatch News 10/23)
A look back at Elders and Youth, and ahead to Alaska Federation of Natives Convention (KNBA 10/23)
Report: Alaska has largest voting-age Native population in US (The Juneau Empire 10/23)
Plea for help (The Juneau Empire 10/23)
Tanana youth speak out against sexual assault, marijuana legalization (KTOO 10/23)
AFN president: Scheduling error canceled Sullivan-Mallott forum, not Sullivan (KTOO 10/22)
AFN drafts resolutions supporting Begich and Walker, opposing marijuana legalization (KTOO 10/22)

An Opinion:
Margaret Carlson: Sarah Palin's Sun Sets in Alaska (Bloomberg Views 10/22)

Related Stories:
Alaska Native elders and youth share issues at annual meeting (10/22)