In 1966 more than 400 Alaska Natives representing 17 Native organizations gathered to address Alaska Native land rights. The result was the formation of the Alaska Federation of Natives. Among its goals, AFN encourages the preservation of Alaska Native cultures, including subsistence living.
AFN is hosting its first Celebrate Subsistence photo contest. The organization is asking for photos of individuals, friends and family members fishing, berry picking, hunting or any other form of subsistence living. Anyone can enter, the photo just has to show your subsistence way of life.
Director of communications of AFN Benjamin Mallott says the group came up with the idea of a photo contest as a way to involve members and freshen up the organization. He says the contest will also help put a face on subsistence living.
Mallott says although this is the first year AFN has tried the photo contest, they are expecting to continue with it again.
“On the first day, on AFN’s Facebook we got more than 6,000 views. So far the online submission form, I keep getting about 10 to 15 pictures, great pictures, every day. It’s actually been very successful.”
AFN is the largest statewide native organization. Currently there are 151 federally recognized tribes. The annual AFN Convention is the largest statewide convention in Alaska and serves as the organization’s annual meeting. Selected photos, even if they aren’t winners, will be displayed this October at the next AFN Convention.
Mallott says AFN first began the conversation of a photo competition when looking at the history of subsistence living in the media.
“Every time subsistence is in the news, it’s about a lawsuit as in Katy John. So we want to kind of put a happy face back onto our way of life. So we aren’t looking for any specific kind of picture, we are just looking for the right picture.”
The winner will receive a round trip ticket to any US destination courtesy of Alaska Airlines. Photos can be submitted to www.nativefederation.org/celebratesubsistence.