Anchorage is hosting the annual Federation of Natives Convention this week, headquartered at the Dena'ina* Convention Center. These beautiful ladies, pictured above are Alissa Joseph of Delta, and Alice Oksoktaruk, from McGrath. They are wearing Parkas and headpieces, handcrafted by natives. These skills have been passed down thru the years, and during the year, it is a treat to visit the Native Hospital and browse thru their gift shop. The Anchorage Museum of History and Art also has a fine collection, but of course, they are not for sale. For the readers who are interested in native culture, goto ADN news. I also suggest googling Alaska Natives, as I would do as, I am not privy to their meetings either. I will add they are a boon to the municipality's economy, too.
*Footnote: the pronounciation of Dena'ina appears to be "Deena-eena", which I love the sound of, but it's wrong! Correctly, you would say "Dee-9-a" . . . this is beautiful convention center about 2 years old now, that most of us voted against, but now that it's here, we are happy to have it, and have changed our vote. It has made the downtown area user friendly, as they have also put in heated sidewalks to connect it with the Center for Performing Arts. A new parking garage, and lot helps, too, so locals are encouraged to go downtown again.
I just had to include another image taken from our local paper, the Anchorage Daily News, as this whale hunt shows the real Alaska, and part of the subsistance of the natives.
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