Thousands of AFN-Goers Arrive in Anchorage

For some, attending the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is a way of life. For Vernita Vestal, it’s one she’s grown to love.

Tools

By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Oct 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM AKDT

For thousands of people across the state, attending the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is a way of life.

For Vernita Vestal, it’s one she’s grown to love.

"When you like what you're doing, you go all out for it and that's what I do here,” Vestal said. “I blossom like a flower."

She’s been volunteering at the AFN information booth since 1985 and is one of the first people to greet attendees when they step onto the convention floor.

After more than 25 years, she still hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for the largest native gathering in the country.

"John Baker will be speaking. Go support him!” Vestal said, weaving through the crowd and shooing people into the main hall for the convention’s keynote address.

Like the 2011 Iditarod champion, she’s learned first hand about the power of community.

“His mom is from my home village,” Vestal said. “A very special person.”

This week, the community is made up of people from every corner of Alaska, and Vestal herself has traveled from her winter home in Arizona to attend the convention.

It’s the event’s motto, and a lesson she can attest to: with unity, comes strength.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.