AFN Convention keynote speakers announced

The Alaska Federation of Natives on Wednesday announced the keynote speakers for the 2015 annual convention.

This year renowned Haida weaver Delores Churchill and her grandson Haida master carver Donald Varnell will then deliver the keynote address Oct. 15, the first day of the convention.

Both Churchill and Varnell hail from Ketchikan. Their works appear in collections around the world.

“AFN is pleased that Delores and Donald have accepted our invitation. Having two keynoters is a way for AFN to showcase the actual sharing of our cultural traditions between generations and they are an inspiration to the entire Native community,” AFN President Julie Kitka said in a statement.  “This year’s theme was chosen as a way to recognize and celebrate the many heroes living among us, the people working humbly to strengthen our communities.”

The AFN annual convention is one of the largest Native gatherings in the United States. The convention and the Alaska Native Customary Art Show are both open to the public.

The convention will be held October 15-17 at the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage.

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