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2021 Virtual Statewide Elders & Youth Conference Call for Proposals
from Language Teachers, Artists, Cultural Bearers, Elders, Dance Groups,
and Community Organizations & Leaders

Due date extended to: Thursday, September 30, 2021.

“I loved every moment, I will carry with me how we can be present with each other
on and over internet and phone, and be true/real with each other!
I felt supported when we are so far apart during this time.”
- 2020 Virtual Statewide Elders & Youth Conference Participant -

AwA’ahdah for volunteering your time and energy to share your knowledge and lift up our Elder and youth participants! This year’s 38th Annual Elders & Youth Conference will begin on Sunday, October 17 and close out on Wednesday, October 20. It will take place virtually over Zoom, in a re-imaged culturally-enriched online environment. Not only will this keep our peoples safer, but it will increase access for those who have not yet had a chance to participate. Please submit a separate proposal for each lesson/workshop you are interested in teaching/hosting. 

Conference Purpose & Objectives
  • Provide an opportunity for Elders and youth to interact with and learn from each other;
  • Inspire pride in cultural identity and heritage;
  • Grow knowledge of community, culture, traditions, family, and self towards understanding the unique role that each person plays in our collective identity;
  • Strengthen participants’ understanding and engagement with topics relevant to the Alaska Native community;
  • Empower youth leadership, innovation, commitment and sharing of their knowledge;
  • Foster statewide networking, sharing, discussion, and community building;
  • Prepare participants to be engaged and take action after the conference and in their lives by nurturing a practice of learning and leading.
Timeline
  • Start reviewing proposals - Monday, August 23, extended to Thursday, September 30
  • Requests to present emailed out - week of September 13 & week of October 4
  • Finalize conference format - week of September 27
  • Workshops presented - October 18 - 20
AwA’ahdah for your thoughtful contributions and ideas that will guide us to a memorable conference.
1.Please complete the following contact information:
2.The Elders & Youth Conference is a culturally-radiant and safe place for our Elders, youth, and other participants. Whether we are in-person or virtual, we work to ensure that those presenting, working with, and sharing time with our precious participants are committed to this as well. We would never knowingly subject our participants to anyone with a history of child or Elder abuse - physical, sexual, mental, financial, or other forms of abuse. By submitting this Call for Proposals, you are confirming that you and the co-presenters understand this and are also committed to it. This is a condition of registration in order for us to best protect our conference participants and ensure a culturally vibrant and safe space.(Required.)
3.Please share more about your presentation interest:
4.Check all delivery options that interest you for this presentation:
  • Alaska Native Language Circle - teach 1.5 to 2 hour language session to encourage participants to practice and grow their love of language learning.
  • Living & Loving Our Cultures Workshop - teach 1.5 to 2 hour hands-on activity that celebrates our Native ways of life, all supplies will be provided to participants who will self select workshops. Artists will be asked to prepare kits and mail them to limited number of conference participants.
  • Dance Group Lesson or Performance - teach 1.5 to 2 hour dance workshop or a 30 minute cultural sharing or performance. 
  • Elder Coffeetime - 30 minutes or 1 hour plenary storytelling.
  • Men's, Women's, & LGBTQA2S+ Houses - engage, teach or provide support to a House of your choice.
  • Regional Presentation - share something unique from your region to the plenary audience for 5 to 15 minutes.
  • Community Engagement Workshop - share 10 to 15 minute plenary message or lead 1.5 to 2 hour workshop on subjects important to Indigenous people.
  • Lunch & Learn - 1 hour presentation on topic of choice.
5.Please share a bulleted outline schedule for your workshop, presentation, performance, etc. 
Example:
-Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
-Presenter & Participant Introductions
-Brainstorm importance of gathering salmon
-Facts about salmon habitat
-Teach salmon song & dance
-Everyone share lessons learned about salmon verbally & in Zoom chat
-Closing thoughts
6.How will participants virtually interact and engage with each other during your workshop, presentation, performance, etc.?
7.Answer yes or no: I understand that if selected as a presenter or teacher I may be requested to expand or shorten my presentation time or format, depending on Elders & Youth needs and space availability. As FAI finds ways to Indigenize Elders & Youth, FAI seeks flexibility to create engaging formats for participants from the lens of the overall experience to amplify the purpose and theme.
8.Answer yes or no: I understand that if selected, presenters will be asked to register for the conference and that FAI does not provide financial compensation to presenters.