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.
