First Alaskans Institute

08/20/2026

First Alaskans Institute is inviting dance groups to perform at the 43rd Annual Statewide Elders & Youth Conference, October 18-21, 2026, at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage.

Dance carries our stories, strengthens our connections, and brings life to gatherings of our Elders and youth. All accepted dance groups receive an honorarium in recognition of the expertise, knowledge, and skill you bring.

Interested in performing? Complete our Dance Group Performance Interest Form at: bit.ly/2026-dance-groups

Once we hear from you, our team will follow up with scheduling and logistics.

08/18/2026

Happy Primary Election Day, Alaska! We got out the Native vote today 🥳🗳️

If you haven’t voted yet, polls are open until 8pm. Be sure to bring your ID!

Find election information at elections.alaska.gov.

08/18/2026

Today is Alaska's Primary Election Day! We understand that some rural communities are experiencing disruptions in voting access. In an effort to track these issues to bring forth to the Division of Elections, FAI, along with our various partners, encourage you to document your voting experience using the following form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey0JRYlV9W82AYdj1SHAIZNBpp423LyqyHIvi7xTf6t5tO2Q/viewform

Rural Alaskans deserve reliable access to the ballot.

With the August 18 Primary Election just one day away, the Alaska Federation of Natives, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, First Alaskans Institute, and Get Out the Native Vote are calling on the Alaska Division of Elections to take immediate action on rural precinct staffing and election access.

Reports of vacant election-worker positions, delayed per diem payments, and disruptions to early voting raise serious concerns about whether every rural community will have the support it needs to conduct the election.

In Nome, for example, the Division of Elections’ regional office was not open at the advertised 10 a.m. start time for early voting.

"Every community matters. Every voter matters. Every vote deserves to be administered with fairness, reliability, and respect."

Read our full statement and our call for immediate action: https://nativefederation.org/2026/08/call-for-immediate-action-on-rural-precinct-staffing/

08/18/2026

Here’s one final message on why voting matters, from FAI intern Krissia Tuzroyluk, ahead of tomorrow’s primary election:

Krissia Tuzroyluk, Iñupiaq from Point Hope, interned with the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes this summer. Her message: young people will lead change in our communities.

She encourages you to prepare by researching each candidate and voting in the primary election tomorrow, August 18!

Find election information at elections.alaska.gov

08/17/2026

The primary election is TOMORROW on August 18! Pinguayaq Jalene Larson, from Koliganek, was placed as an intern with FAI’s communications department this summer. Her message: everyone’s opinion matters, even if you don’t think it does — one vote can change the tide. She encourages you to go vote and change the tide too. 🗳️🌊

Find election information at: elections.alaska.gov

08/15/2026

Lynsie Qanrilaq Paul is Yup’ik from Kwigillingok. This summer, she interned with FAI’s Indigenous Leadership Continuum. Her message: our voices matter, and voting is one way we help shape the future of our community and future generations. She encourages you to register to vote, learn about the issues and candidates, and use your voice. Every vote counts and can make a difference! 🗳️

Be sure to vote in the Alaska primary election next week on August 18. You can also register to vote ahead of November’s general election if you haven’t already!

Find election information at: elections.alaska.gov

08/13/2026

Kinóogeix Mikayla Mitchell interned with Alaska Native Arts Foundation this summer. Her family is traditionally from Angoon, though she was raised in Juneau. Her message: our traditions, our decision-making, our potlatches have always required us to show up — and nothing happens without us. She encourages you to vote to show Alaska that nothing happens without Alaska Native people. 🗳️

Make a plan to vote in the Alaska primary election next week on August 18!

Find election information at: elections.alaska.gov

08/12/2026

The Alaska primary election is next Tuesday, August 18 — 6 days away! We’re sharing why voting matters from FAI summer interns.

Meet Tatiana Taanka Korthuis from Bethel — this summer she interned with FAI’s Alaska Native Policy Center. Her message: voting protects and upholds indigenous ways of life at every level of government. Grab a friend or family member and vote together!

Find voting information at: elections.alaska.gov

08/08/2026

📬 Tomorrow is the deadline to apply to vote absentee by mail!

Planning to vote absentee by mail or online delivery? Make sure you know what you need to do! Check out these step-by-step instructions to make absentee voting easy. Note that the deadline to register for absentee online voting has passed for the Primary Election, but you can still apply ahead of the General Election.

Remember: Sign your voting materials in front of a witness, and make sure your witness signs them too. Ballots cannot be returned by email.

Learn more and apply at elections.alaska.gov.

08/07/2026

They came, they grew, they graduated 🎉

Gunalchéesh, quyana, and congratulations to this incredible cohort! 👏 The future is in good hands and FAI’s team was left inspired by your leadership and commitment this summer. ❤️