In a departure from prior years, the Alaska Federation of Natives will not invite candidate Nick Begich to the annual convention, where congressional candidates typically are invited to speak and answer questions during congressional election years. Congressman Don Young was always invited to take questions, as were his challengers. In 2022, the Native organization invited Peltola, Sarah Palin, Nick Begich, and Chris Bye to the convention for a candidate forum, although it was apparent that Peltola would get the endorsement.
But now, the group is sticking with its Native incumbent Peltola. It will not even hear from Begich or John Wayne Howe, the third-party candidate. The fourth candidate on the November ballot is a Democrat serving time in a federal prison out of state.
Nick Begich offered a statement in response to the group’s snub of any and all challengers to Peltola:
“The opportunity to debate ideas and direction for our communities is a bedrock of our Republic. In my view, it is a disservice to the Alaska Native community to deprive AFN members of the opportunity to make an informed decision after comparing both congressional candidates’ ideas and records,” Begich said.
“My grandfather worked tirelessly to pass the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) out of the House. My father worked as a tribal administrator and village planner for Chickaloon Village and was even ceremonially adopted by Clan Grandmother Katie Wade. Our family has a long history of working to address the needs of all Alaskans, including Alaska’s first people,” Begich said.
“To all Alaska Natives across the state: I hear you, and I want to talk to you. My door is always open and nothing will stop my commitment to listen to you and to work with you to solve the challenges that we face as Alaskans,” he said.
The 2024 Convention theme is “Our Children – Our Future Ancestors,” and is planned for Oct. 17-19 at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage.
It’s obvious to see this isn’t the consensus of the people in general. The top brass of the Federation have been bought out and will do as instructed.
The Natives are like the rest of the “minorities” in the US – they continue to back the party that hasn’t done anything for them in the last 60 years except create the worst schools, literally, in the USA, destroy their familial structures through welfare subsidies, incokcatevthem with a belief system that they don’t have a chance to be successful because of “racism”.
Ignorance stacked on top of ignorance.
Reality – Begich would offer more opportunities for your children to be successful than the Democrat playbook – which is really plantation politics – deprive them of a good education, break up the families, I doctrinate them that a boogieman controls their destiny.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
AFN has been a D entity for years. They are going to back Peltola for whatever reason they are told to, as she has done nothing for the state. Begich will win, despite their tactic.
And now there it is right out in the open.
Attention all AFN convention attendees:
If you want true democracy, contact the federation and let them know either allow all voices be heard, or you will not attend the convention. And follow thru.
Your voices deserve to be heard and your choices should be clear.
We live in America, we are a democratic republic. We deserve to hear from all our candidates.
I agree and hope they do. It is unfair to all federation members and does appear the leadership is ‘owned’ by ‘someone else’.
What a bunch of Losers.
These folks are well too embroiled with the far left they can’t see what’s best for their people.
The decision makers are screwing the majority
There’s some DEI in action, eh?
AFN “True Colors” … on full display regardless of objectivity.
Why should ‘we’ be expected to believe and act differently?
It’s a racist snub, pure and simple.
Yes, finally they admit it.
Did I miss something? Are we already living in a communist country? Please do not fall for this tactic. Vote Red in November!
AFN is a RACIST organization. Can you imagine the Chamber of Commerce disallowing Mary Peltola to a debate because she is a Native?
These people a sick. I’m going all out for Nick Begich III, not because he’s White, but because he truly is fair, impartial, and honest…
…….unlike the afn. And after Begich wins, the AFN will be riding NB3 for federal money.
100% true.
I’ll have to agree there with your statement of it being racist. A few years ago I applied for a construction job through them. I was told that they have a native preference for hiring. Can you imagine the backlash if any other corporation did that, hired by white preference? S&*% would hit the fan……
Native tribes are exempt from the civil rights act clause of non discrimination lol. Apparently that wasn’t well thought out.
I was working in services around at
this convention. As they were having smaller breakout meetings and breaks, the content of the individual conversations were alarmingly racist against ‘The Whites’. I was naively shocked at the level of vitriol.
The only people the Alaska Natives hate more than Whites are…………
other Alaska Native groups who are trying to secure more resources for themselves, at the exclusion if other Natives. They will fight each other for more.
Greed, …….pure and simple. Natives are not exempt from hate and racial discrimination.
It’s real and practiced here in Alaska.
Throughout history, some of the bloodiest and outrageous behaviors were in battles between various Indian tribes. They unite when they need something from the Whites. Otherwise, they will fight each other to the death over $$$, wild animals, and land ownership. It’s in their blood.
Yep. When you go to the villages it’s better to let them believe you are Hispanic rather than Outside Native. Especially in a Yupik community.
And…. what I personally learned from Nick is he ignore this snub. He absolutely will listen to, and defend the interests of, every Alaska Native to the best of his ability … without reservation. He will never hold the slightest grudge over something as silly as this.
Try again: …. he WILL ignore this snub. (Primitive software is annoying).
Wayne,
Primates blaming software for their mistakes is annoying….
Just wait for wait for your next mistake whale genitals.
And that’s exactly why we need Nick Begich for Congress. He will treat Alaska Natives not better than any other racial minority, but as equals to all racial groups. This attitude makes Nick Begich the best fit to represent ALL Alaskans in Washington DC.
Is anybody surprised about this?
AFN may regret this decision. Not only is it rude, it is plain stupid. I am
Glad that Begich is a bigger man than me. I would hold a grudge. AFN is lucky because Begich has a big heart and truly wants the best for AFN members. No matter their stupid snub!
In taking on this partisan stance, AFN will no doubt become even more irrelevant to the broader Alaskan community of people and businesses. Indeed, the Alaska business community that has supported AFN in years past should now halt its monetary contributions and convention participation with the AFN. The Soros family, perchance, will pick up the slack.
Doesn’t it seem racist that natives get free healthcare while all other races have to fend for themselves? The time has come to end this racist grift.
No-bid government contracts to the native corporations need to go as well.
This is one of the reasons why so many of the larger Native tribes have left AFN in the last few years.
It’s sad that the Native people will not get a chance to talk to him. Go Nick!
The AFN leadership is just like the union leadership. They base their decisions on poor information and who scratches my back. Many native corporations are the same way. Most alaskan’s are don’t agree with their poor choices. I am one.
AFN, are you racist?
The super virtuous woke corporations that also banish the most vulnerable people from their villages and force them to live on the streets in Anchorage. Who cares what those jerks have to say anyways.
The state and federal governments have spent billions developing villages and now everyone moves to the city.
The native leaders have been bought out by evil money and the greed it brings.
Sounds about par for the course.
We need to stop all bush freebies and financial support to the bush.
If Nick wants so badly to attend, he could. There is no registration fee. Alternately, he could buy exhibition space like other Republican politicians, e.g. Murkowski and Sullivan. That way, he would be available for convention attendees to interact with him if they want to.
Why on earth would someone PAY for space when they’ve been publicly snubbed by a bunch of Dems?! No way! Nick should stay far away from that trap and let Peltola think she has the upper hand. There will be more of us who show up to the polls than any amount of illegal ballots which are turned in. Conservatives have faith, brains, and the vast majority of the undeclared and independents.
This is a very sad decision by the leadership of this group. I hope that many Alaska Natives will rebel against the curtailing of free speech and the top-down decision to try to influence what they think, and who they support. I would love to see a grassroots effort spring up: “Alaska Natives For Nick!” I am certain Nick would honor a request for a meeting with AFN attendees who wish to meet him at another location. I know Nick to be the real deal—a genuine Alaskan who cares for ALL Alaskans!
Right on Lynn. Nick is about all Alaskans.
Puppets
Well that’s not very friendly is it.??
Another example of not living up to the ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ mantra that is relentlessly pushed by liberal groups. Trump was recently invited by the Black journalist association and bravely faced a hostile questioning period. Not inviting Nick Begich indicates a lack of good faith on the part of AFN. They might have heard how poorly Mary Peltola has represented their interests in her time in Congress. Despite AFN’s shunning of Nick Begich, he gave a great response to them.
Diversity is just code for less White people. Majority non white communities are never targeted for more “diversity”.
Native Pride! Lol
They will come around and be all about Nick when they want the hand out.
Low information voters. High BAC. Wonder if they will ever figure out AFN and PFD distribution happen at the same time? Come blow your money and go back to the village.
As heavily Leftwing as the AFN is, I’d consider it an honor to not be invited by them.
Greed, racism on display
Gotta try and keep all that welfare and government subsidies coming into these native communities. They are no longer subsistence life styles but northern ghettos.
I am skeptical of Nick. I think he’s a fraud, and if it weren’t for him Palin would be our representative today. Unfortunately, I will vote for him because what other choice do I have? That aside, what we’re witnessing here is flat out racism towards Nick. It’s “this is our Native sister and we’ll pick her over the white guy, no questions asked!” It’s disgusting!
Palin is totally not a fraud. Yep.
This decision is based on solely on race. Not content of candidate and what that candidate actually does for Alaska.
AFN has Changed..many AFN members of “well-known developing their resource” groups have dropped out of the AFN org, due to the change of their theory of non-developing resources atitudes.
Summary:
Section 242 of Title 18 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of any law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
For the purpose of Section 242, acts under “color of law” include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within their lawful authority, but also acts done beyond the bounds of that official’s lawful authority, if the acts are done while the official is purporting to or pretending to act in the performance of his/her official duties. Persons acting under color of law within the meaning of this statute include police officers, prisons guards and other law enforcement officials, as well as judges, care providers in public health facilities, and others who are acting as public officials. It is not necessary that the crime be motivated by animus toward the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin of the victim.
The offense is punishable by a range of imprisonment up to a life term, or the death penalty, depending upon the circumstances of the crime, and the resulting injury, if any.
TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTION 242
Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, … shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
Updated May 31, 2021
Cheryl Bowie @dreamgbutterfly, for what purpose did you post this?
They canceled the debate, and per their own statement, its due to a time crunch and other items on their agenda that they feel are more critical. They didn’t uninvite Nick Begich, and he can in fact attend the convention if he would like to hear from the AFN community. Disingenuous reporting at best. But really eye opening about who your fans are–a bunch of white folks decrying racism. No wonder it was determined there would be little to gain from holding the debate and AFN should focus on real priorities.
If that is true “Tired of This,” can you please ask the AFN to publish statement regarding this?
Ginny–AFN’s statement about why they won’t hold a candidate forum this year. ‘https://alaskapublic.org/2024/09/26/alaska-federation-of-natives-will-not-hold-a-u-s-house-candidate-forum/
As it is said, res ipsa loquitur. And I’m not white. So, your comment is simply projection and your own racist bias.
TrulyLoved, but isn’t accusing someone of being a racist a type of projection within itself?
I say this because the concept of holding irrational prejudice is one of those traits that is found universally across all races and cultures, turns out that “white” people don’t hold a franchise on ignorance and hatred and other distasteful qualities. Don’t believe me? Bone up on Japan or China for starters! Cheers!
Baloney. There’s always been time for candidate debates before previous congressional elections. ‘Time crunch’ is a lame excuse, and AFN’s directors are not immune to criticisms from any and all Alaskans.
That is a pretty ‘racist’ assumption.
In other words AFN wants their cake and eat it too.
To claim a “time crunch” is a way to say “we are not interested in a debate, because our candidate can’t hack it, but we can’t come out and actually say it”.
In utter irony Mr. Mallot AFN President-elect told AKpublic media:
“Instead, we are focusing on panels that align with our convention theme and initiatives to encourage Alaska Native voter engagement through the ‘Get Out The Native Vote’ efforts,” he said by email.”
So the reason they cancel the forum is to “engage native voters” and get out the vote, while suppressing all but one candidate’s voice. That they disenfranchise their members by denying them the opportunity to hear from all (available) candidates is manipulative and very sad.
The only real priority that the activist leadership of the AFN has is maintaining their peoples in poverty, and as long as the “leadership” is in charge of the rewards, the leadership families remain in power.
I’m Outside Native, and this story is the same in most tribes. Their interest is solely their own benefit, not the people’s.
Repealthe17th, gosh the power structure of an organization wanting to maintain their power is a Native American problem too? Who knew, because that sounds a lot like human nature and is practiced by every society I’ve ever studied. The beauty of our U.S. Constitution is that our Founders understood this problem and put checks and balances in place to give us all a fighting chance at justice.
BTW, I agree that the 17th needs to go bye bye.
Yes, absolutely. Human nature. No doubt. However, in less exclusive structures, at least there is a facade of public or client service required to sustain the powers that be in office, whether public or private.
Not all tribal organizations are corrupt, there are a few that do credit to both of their nations. That there ARE good ones, and that they exist make the corrupt ones more detestable.
My letter to AFN:Julie Kitka, AFN President
Alaska Federation of Natives
3000 A Street, Suite 210
Anchorage, AK 99503
Date: September 26, 2024
Dear Julia Kitka:
I note that the theme of your 2024 Convention theme is “Our Children – Our Future Ancestors.” And yet you are showing support for an individual who is in favor of killing unborn native babies from all the tribes and people groups of AFN. You are also showing support for an individual who is in favor of the unbiblical lifestyles of the LBGTQI+ agenda which is for taking native youth and making them unable to produce a future generation. I am of course talking about Rep. Mary Peltola.
The fact that you have not invited Nick Begich to speak at the 2024 convention is very telling – the AFN does not support “Our Children – Our Future Ancestors.”
Please change your mind about this.
Thank you,
Franklin N. Blodgett
18124 Harbor Point Loop
Eagle River, AK 99577
An 81-year-old man of God.
Thank you Franklin for your letter. I, too, am shocked that the Alaska Native cultures would support killing unborn babies.
Courageous letter. Thank you.
Good letter. Thank you.
AFN you disgust me!! As an Alaskan native woman I am embarrassed by your decision not to invite Nick Begich! The board members at AFN do not tell me who to vote for!! Mary Peltola does NOT represent me!! Tired of native groups waiting for the next big hand out! That is not who we are! AFN is acting racist at a time they should be bringing the people together!
Indeed. Years ago Perry Eaton lead a commission and produced a report on Alaska Natives and Self-Determination. AFN continues to support handouts and reliance on government, and has turned away from the corporations who can create self-determination.
What would really be an eye opener for the AFN leaders is if every Alaskan Native would refuse to attend the convention and let the leaders know that Peltola is not the way to the Alaskan Native’s future success.
Thank you for your comment Jan
AFN is a disgrace, a shell of their former self, they preach unity like a snake.
AFN did not snub Begich in favor of Peltola. AFN simply decided not to hold a House candidate forum this year and instead focus on other issues. No political candidate will be invited to speak. Note that in years past, endorsements, if given, were voted on before the traditional candidate forum, which was the last major event of the convention.
Claims that this decision is somehow “racist” are overblown. Non-Native endorsements included Murkowski and Don Young.
“Benjamin Mallott, president-elect of the Alaska Federation of Natives, confirmed that the convention will not include a candidate forum. “Instead, we are focusing on panels that align with our convention theme and initiatives to encourage Alaska Native voter engagement through the ‘Get Out The Native Vote’ efforts,” he said by email. “AFN endorsed Representative Peltola in 2022, and a similar resolution has been submitted for consideration by our delegates this year. It is scheduled to be reviewed in accordance with AFN bylaws at the convention on October 19,” he said. By phone, Mallott said the issue was one of timing and priorities: Organizers are trying to fit many prospective topics into a three-day agenda, and the House forum kept getting squeezed for time. Now, it makes more sense to do a generalized get-out-the-vote effort, he said.”
What a great way to keep Peltola’s reign going within the native community…just keep the other guy out. The congressional seat is an important aspect of Alaska’s livelihood. To say that there are more important issues to address is saying that they are in support of Peltola keeping her seat.
If AFN endorses a political candidate, all federal funds it receives must be pulled.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know the native brass have been promised much if they pull this stunt. Truth be known, the promises are 30 seconds or thirty votes, which ever comes first. I have been here since 1953. Lived i the bush a good amount of that time. I have experienced many of the tribes, from Annette to Northway and Cordova to Kodiak. Those folks from the days gone by are not representative of those running the show. Today, they waste more money than it would take to house all their people they are sending to the homeless camps. I can only hope they get peltola handed to them in defeat
Slaves are controlled, are not allowed to hear other voices, maybe you need new leadership!
Sad in this world, your leaders are afraid of younhear hearing other voices …..why?
Asking for a friend!
Senator Ted Stevens was not the racial DNA but he worked effectively for all Alaskan people when he was in DC. Peltola has opted to mainly represent interests of national socialist positions that to do not effectively support Alaskan agendas. It is foolish to continue to support her behavior of socialism in DC.
And I say – what a milestone that AFN has risen to such significance that the MRAK homies are offended that their candidate is not invited.
Seriously- no one cares about the Native Vote for most of my life.
So this in itself is satisfying and makes me lol.
I am an Alaska Native conservative that is now undeclared- and I did not support Nick BEGICH because of his uncle’s baggage.
Right or wrong Ted Stevens helped all of Alaska.
Mark Begich won by 1200 votes, that the leadership from my region claimed they put Mark over the top and ousted uncle Ted.
But – Mark BEGICH has contributed over $2000 to Mary. Has Uncle mark supported his nephew Nick?
Nick is 15% owner of Marks grocery store in Barrow.
This is a sign of the times of our living history.
This is the beautiful thing-just vote.
And vote the way your world view is right now and what you hope it to be.
Because if you are wrong-it will likely change in 2-4 years.
Our votes as citizens- are not lifetime commitments.
As soon as the campaign ads end, the Medicare enrollment ads will infiltrate through that enrollment drive, then comes all the non-profit Christmas drive commercials.
And so it goes…
Trudy,
That’s a terrible reason. Would you snub your best friend, because your best friend is friends with someone else you don’t like. We thought you were better than that, Trudy.
AFN, what happened to sovereignty? You lost your soul!
None dare call it racism…
To not vote for Nick Begich because of his uncles baggage? Hard to believe someone would actually admit to that level of stupidity. There was a time when the AFN was a real, a current and legitimate voice for the Alaska Native community. Apparently those days are gone. They will snub Nick Begich until he wins the seat and then they will kiss his butt for everything they can get when it becomes apparent that the Peltola connection is history. Watching this situation for 50 years now and it has deteriorated. All the best to NB3, we need his bright, motivated non racist energy.
Look, my message was not about voting for Nick or Mary- I am flip flopping- as is my right.
I did not support Nick because of Marks baggage.
I supported that gal who is seemingly our Lt. Governor.
Then I research more and find out that Mark didn’t even support his own family member, Nick.
However, Mark and Nick are business partners.
I do not really care who wins at this point.
What and who matters is the staffers that turn the neck of their talking head.
The longevity in our congressional government lies among the staffers.
@julia “we thought you were better then that, Trudy”.
Julia – who is “we” and what self-proclaimed group do you speak on behalf?
Also, why do you think I should care about what your version of “we” thinks about me?
I seriously- all day long – do not know who you are.
And Learn this.
I do not care.
Have you not gotten the memo that:
#1 – WE are all equal?
#2 – I do not have to be a part of any group to have my own personal opinion!
#3 – Why does Julia feel free to throw around a ‘we’ to judge “me”?
To make me feel less then.
As well as pointing out that I am an outsider that betrayed the cool kids because I don’t co-sign their b.s,
But the slam dunk – assuming they are the baseline of what they think I am striving to be or be a part of or clamoring for their acceptance.
Sweetie, junior high is over.
There are so many assumptions in that statement.
What? Oh See the impact and knee jerk reaction to a “we” thought “you” statement deteriorates rapidly?
Do better. Or not. I’m here all day long.
Final thought grenade – maybe it is time to dismantle AFN.
ASRC, Doyon, SeaAlaska and NANA subsidizes all the village corporations.
When I research 7i – the regions that receive it never talk about where or how they got it.
These regions talk about how they distribute it to their village corporations and loosely to shareholders.
These regions do not talk about sharing and giving into the 7i fund to the rest of Alaska Native Corporations.
But if you spend time in a board room – the values received are on posters proudly – the values given – silent.
The regions that receive 7i funds take credit for redistribution to village corporations (7j).
These regional leaders pursue businesses outside of resource development to avoid a 70% redistribution to all other corporations.
And even worse, who is the auditor or the OIG over ANCSA?
If this situation is not equitable- we need to educate ourselves and forage change.
Whatever congress candidate is willing to ask and demand answers to those questions – that’s who I will vote for.
Mary has a conflict of interest.
Trudy: I think this is a good point: AFN is becoming less relevant. Ever notice how AFN just wants more government money? I checked out all the resolutions and 90 percent of them call for more money from the government. The others were in support of Mean Mary and anyone who will give them more money! Years ago AFN has a study which was run by Perry Eaton. It called for more self-determination and less reliance on government handouts. I guess AFN members forgot to read it as they certainly are not following it. And least we forget, some corporations have left AFN since it is becoming more tribal and looking for more handouts and less in support of making their own way: ASRC, Doyon and Aleut. Tlingit & Haida tribal is no longer a member.
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