AFN Webinar Video: Potential Changes to Subsistence Framework in Alaska
January 20, 2026
On January 20, AFN hosted an overview of how the Federal Subsistence Board manages Alaska Native and rural Alaskan subsistence hunting and fishing, and outlined current threats to the Board.
The webinar addressed how the Board works, why it is important to keep its powers and membership intact, and how AFN members can get involved in submitting comments to the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture.
Native America Calling – A new report finds tribes are most vulnerable during government shutdown.
November 4, 2025
As the federal government shutdown drags on, tribes are feeling the brunt more than the general population. That’s among the conclusions in a new report from the Brookings Institution that examines how the government distributes the funds it is obligated to. The report finds that a large portion of the money for tribal necessities like health care, education, and economic well-being required under the Trust and Treaty Responsibility is dependent on annual action by Congress rather than being baked into the automatic allocations that other federal funding recipients enjoy. The report calls on a more reliable funding system for tribes.
The shutdown has prompted several tribes, including the Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Tribe, and Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, to declare states of emergency, mainly because of the lack of food and winter heating assistance. We’ll hear more about how the shutdown is grinding away at tribes’ ability to help their citizens.
Discover w/ Lucy: Episode 106
August 26, 2025
Alaskan’s culture is such a special part of the Alaska Federation of Natives. They endlessly fight for Alaskans at our capital & D.C. Not to mention their famous AFN Annual Convention! Nikki Stoops, Director of Development & Communications and she fills us in on all things AFN!
AFN Webinar Video: Update on Congressional Budget Reconciliation
July 8, 2025
AFN hosted an update on the Congressional Budget Reconciliation on July 8, 2025, as a follow-up to earlier webinars that provided an overview of the Congressional Budget Reconciliation process. This session provided AFN members with a high-level understanding of the provisions, including those related to Alaska, included in the bill. The webinar will cover the current state of reconciliation as of July 8.
In addition, the webinar covered relevant proposals included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request and provided an update and outlook on the appropriations process.
During this session, we discussed the following:
- Overview of the Senate-passed reconciliation bill – What is in it, including Alaska-specific provisions.
- House action on the Senate-passed bill – Subject to change as the House is currently considering the Senate’s bill.
- Overview of the President’s FY26 Budget Request – What is proposed and why it matters.
- Outlook on the FY26 Appropriations Process – What steps has Congress already taken, what is planned, and what is possible throughout the year?
AFN Webinar Video: Update on Congressional Budget Reconciliation
May 1, 2025
AFN hosted an update on Congressional Budget Reconciliation as a follow-up to the earlier webinar on an overview of the Congressional Reconciliation process. The session provided AFN members with an understanding of where the budget reconciliation process is to date, an overview of the timeline for the process going forward, and had a discussion on opportunities to advocate for policy positions that benefit our communities.
During this session, the following were discussed:
- Overview of the House-Senate Budget Resolution – What it is, what is in the framework, and why it matters.
- Current Congressional and Administration Priorities – What are Congress and the Administration considering within reconciliation?
- Next Steps in Congress – Timeline for House and Senate consideration of reconciliation legislation.
- Alaska Priorities & Opportunities – Where programs and funding fit into this process and how to engage in the process.
The webinar featured policy experts from Van Ness Feldman and AFN, who broke down the process to date into practical takeaways. Whether you’re involved in tribal governance, economic development, subsistence, or public services, this session provided insights into how budget reconciliation decisions impact our communities. Download the presentation.
Webinar Video: Budget Reconciliation and Appropriations Update
March 13, 2025
AFN hosted an in-depth webinar on the congressional budget reconciliation and appropriations processes. This session helped AFN members understand the key differences between reconciliation and the normal appropriations process and provided opportunities to advocate for funding and policy positions that benefit our communities.
During this session, the following was discussed:
- Overview of Budget Reconciliation – What it is, how it works, and why it matters.
- House & Senate Resolution Highlights – What’s included in the current proposals?
- Key differences between the Reconciliation and Appropriations process and how each process impacts funding and policy changes.
- Next Steps in Congress – What happens after House and Senate resolutions are passed?
- Alaska Priorities & Opportunities – Where programs and funding fit into these processes and how to engage.
This webinar featured policy experts from Van Ness Feldman and AFN, who broke down the complex process into practical takeaways. Whether you’re involved in tribal governance, economic development, subsistence, or public services, this session provided insights into how federal budget decisions impact our communities. Download the presentation.
