Alaska Federation of Natives
I was so proud to see a former Once in a Blue Moose employee who has made quite a name for himself in Native music circles. Ossie Kairaiuak (center back drummer) is in the band Pamyua and also performed with one of the dance groups at Quyana Alaska. Photos and Story by: Leanne
Quyana
Note: Quyana Alaska is an event at the AFN that features traditional dances which are passed from generation to generation. Quyana Alaska began at the 1982 AFN Convention in order to restore and pass on theses traditional dances, and it continues to be a popular highlight which generally sells out every year.
Cultural History Preserved for Future Generations
I decided to use the advantage of my close proximity to the Dena’ina Convention Center (I work right next door now) and take in a few of the AFN events.I attended the dance 
performances known as Quyana Alaska featuring groups from all of the native cultures of Alaska — Eskimo, Indian, and Aleut. It was refreshing to see young children alongside their elders keeping alive the song and dance of their ancestral traditions.
Eskimo Drummers & Dancers from Northern Alaska
Several Eskimo groups including the Kuugmiut Dancers of Wainwright, Nagsragmiut Inupiaq Dancers of Anuktuvik Pass, and Barrow Dancers performed. Most groups consisted of several men/boys who drummed, sang and danced and several women/girls who danced and sang.Their songs featured varied dynamics which were reflected by the volume of the singing and drumming as well as the intensity of the dance moves.The brightly colored kuspuks were stunning.
Almost all of the groups did at least one “invitational” song and many members of the audience joined them to dance on the stage—including an Alaskan political figure you might recognize (U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski).
Indian & Aleut cultures of Central and Southeast Alaska Represented
The AHTNA Heritage Dancers, Athabascan Indians from the Copper River area, were a young group with much enthusiasm. Lepquin Gumilgit Gaoadin Tsimshian Dancers and Yees Ku Oo’ Dancers of Juneau presented spirited performances in their red and black regalia decorated with totemic images of the eagle, raven, orca, salmon, and 
wolf. Carved wooden masksadded to the mystery of the performance. 
An Alutiiq dance group from Kodiak included all age groups from toddlers to elders. All were adorned in beautiful outfits and ornate beaded headdresses (women) or wooden visors (men).