First Alaskans Institute

Today, September 30, is National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, also known as Orange Shirt Day.

The First Alaskans Institute team wears orange to honor residential school survivors and their families, and to remember the children who never returned home. The heavy and lasting impacts of residential schools are carried throughout our communities, across families and generations.

In remembering and honoring those who came before us, we also carry forward the work of healing and uplifting our children, cultures, languages, and ways of life so they continue to thrive long in the future. 🧡

The deadline to update your voter registration for the November 3 General Election is THIS Sunday, October 4! Be sure to check your registration status, including your address, so that you’re eligible to vote. Check now at: myvoterportal.alaska.gov

Dzaahn Hoozoonh (it’s a good day)! We are so excited to share with you the three winning designs for our Get Out the Native Vote sticker contest! We want to express our deep gratitude to each of the community members who took the time to craft beautiful, thoughtful, and funny designs. Although we could only choose three, each one submitted carried its’ own value and artistic voice, and it was a testament to how creative our community is to see the breadth of designs you all shared with us. Once more, enaa baasee’ (thank you).

We are excited to congratulate Megan Henry as the winner of the first place design! This beautiful sandhill crane returns to breed every year, just like we return to the polls every election to make our voices heard.

We also want to extend our congratulations to Savon Blanchard, our second place winner, and Shala Kerrigan, our third place winner. You can find all three of these designs at our outreach table at upcoming events, or at the Elders and Youth Conference from October 18th to 21st.

Natives Got Talent is back at Elders & Youth Conference! This talent show is part of our annual Chin'an Night, happening Monday, October 19.

Want to share your talent, culture, or creativity with Elders, youth, and community? Here's how to audition:

🎤 Send an audition video to [email protected]
🎤 Audition in person on Sunday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dena'ina Center

Auditions help us plan the program and make sure all performances are respectful and appropriate for our Elders, youth, and families.

We can't wait to see what you bring to the stage! Haven't registered for the conference yet? Register now at: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-statewide-elders-youth-conference-tickets-1991736490459

Our cultures teach us the importance of connection, belonging, and caring for each other. These strengths are at the heart of su***de prevention. Today, we join communities around the world in recognizing the importance of supporting one another, reducing stigma, and reminding people that help is available.
 
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, a loved one, or your community, resources are available. Explore crisis support, prevention services, and local organizations through our Statewide Resource Map: bit.ly/FAI-resource-map

We’re excited to host an AFN-week reception for FAI alumni!

✨October 22, 5:30-7:30 pm
✨FAI office, 2525 C St, Suite 400

If you’ve ever come through an FAI program, stop by to say hi, catch up, and visit with our network of amazing Alaska Native leaders.

FAI is excited to introduce two members of our team! 🎉

Jonas Nog Seedish Cinish Banta (Mandan and Hidatsa) joins us as our Civic Engagement Coordinator. A photographer, educator, and organizer, he brings a creative and thoughtful approach to community engagement, along with a passion for land stewardship and salmon habitat restoration.

Canyon Muk’pai’tluk Kokochuruk (Iñupiaq, Native Village of White Mountain) joins us as our Indigenous Leadership Continuum Coordinator. With experience spanning nonprofit work, advocacy, event coordination, and community engagement, he is dedicated to uplifting Alaska communities while continuing to learn and practice his Inuit culture.

We're grateful for all they bring to FAI. As both work closely with our community, we hope you'll take a moment to connect and welcome them when you see them at events, gatherings, or around our office.

FAI works with the Mobilization Center on our Get Out the Native Vote efforts, and we're excited to share two ways to get involved in civic engagement and participation in rural and Indigenous communities: one full season role and one flexible, stipend-based option. Find the one that fits you below.

🗳 Rural and Indigenous Organizer 🗳
The Rural & Indigenous Organizer position works to build grassroots efforts in communities around Alaska, focusing on supporting civic engagement and Indigenous rights through community outreach and relationship building. This position pays $25-$30/hr, with a flexible schedule. It requires access to the internet, but offers stipends and support. Learn more and apply: mobilizationcenter.bamboohr.com/careers/34

🗳 Village Voting Ambassador 🗳
The Village Voting Ambassador is an opportunity to help with visibility and outreach on elections in your community. Ambassadors will help share informational flyers, host gatherings, and ensure your neighbors and peers are prepared with the resources they need to vote. Earn up to $1800 for work from Sept. 15th through November 10th! Learn more and apply at: bit.ly/village-voting-ambassador

Calling all artists, graphic designers, and creatives! 🗳✨

First Alaskans Institute is inviting our community to enter a sticker design competition as part of our Get Out the Native Vote efforts.

Winning designs will be printed on 2,000 stickers to share at Elders & Youth, AFN, and beyond ahead of Election Day in November. We'll choose 3 winners:
• 1st place: $300 gift card
• 2nd place: $100 gift card
• 3rd place: $100 gift card

Help us make sure Native voices are heard in shaping the future of governance and representation in Alaska. Designs should encourage voting and civic engagement, be culturally appropriate, and be ready for public use.

Guidelines:
• Designs must be entirely your own original work. No generative AI.
• Stickers will print at 3"x3"; custom shapes welcome.
• Open to artists of all ages.
• One submission per person.

Deadline: Sunday, September 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Submit your design here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DSFLQRY