The first day of the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention kicked off Thursday in Anchorage. Thousands of people from across the state are gathering together for three days for the first in-person AFN convention since 2019. Virtual events were held over the last three years due to COVID-19. An issue of focus this year is the Native vote, especially as top offices for state and national seats are being voted on in the November general election. Candidates are making their appearances at AFN.