Alaska Native convention pushed to December over COVID surge

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Federation of Natives has postponed its annual convention because of a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, officials said in a statement.

The convention has traditionally been the largest gathering of Alaska Natives in the state. It had been scheduled for Oct. 21-23 but is now being pushed to mid-December in Anchorage, the organization said in a statement released late Tuesday.

The board of directors cited a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations statewide and the pressure those have placed on Alaska’s limited healthcare system.

Organizers said they would continue planning for an in-person convention at the Dena’ina Convention Center in downtown Anchorage with a virtual option. However, the statement said the board will make a decision by mid-October on whether to continue with the in-person part.