Join us at The Alaska Center's Annual Auction and Celebration, under this year's theme, Time to Shift the Power. This event brings our community together to champion a sustainable, equitable, and thriving Alaska, emphasizing the critical role of this year's elections and our efforts in empowering lasting change.
This special evening is not only a celebration of our collective progress but also a call to action to support our work in ensuring clean air, water, healthy communities, and robust democracy. Your participation helps pave the way for a brighter Alaska for generations to come.
Schedule of Events
Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center
5:00: Doors Open & Silent Auction Begins
7:00: Program Begins, Opening Performance by Ilaku's Dance Group, Remarks by Co-Executive Directors Chantal de Alcuaz and Vicki Long-Leather, Time to Shift the Power Video, Award Presentation: Native Village of Ekluta, Silent Auction Closes
7:30: Keynote Address by Austin Quinn-Davidson
7:45: Live Auction Begins
8:00: Heads or Tails
8:10: Live Performance by The Jephries
Opening Performance by
Ilaku's Dance Group
Ilaku's Dance Group
The Ilaku's Dance Group formed in 2016 when several different dance group leaders from Bering Strait and North Slope region came together after the AFN convention and held a gathering where they all enjoyed each others' songs and dances. The majority of the group are Iñupiaq, but have members that represent different parts of Alaska.
They have been invited to and have performed at various events around Alaska, including: the Jamboree in Wainwright, Festival of Native Arts in Fairbanks, Qatnut in Kotzebue, Teller Cultural Festival in Teller, and Cama'i in Bethel. A few other performances include the Arctic Encounter Convention, Red Dress Gala, Caribou Conference, and a few other small events held at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
We are grateful the Ilaku's Dance Group can join us to open the evening with a special performance!
Keynote Address:
Austin Quinn-Davidson
Austin Quinn-Davidson served on the Anchorage Assembly from 2018-2023 and as Anchorage's acting Mayor from 2020-2021, leading our community through one of its most challenging periods. In both roles, Austin championed a thriving, sustainable Anchorage and was a strong advocate for our most vulnerable residents. Austin was Anchorage's first woman mayor and first openly LGBTQ mayor.
Austin has also worked for a number of nonprofit organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, Great Land trust, and most recently Alaska Children's Trust, where she is leading the implementation of Anchorage's newly-passed Child Care and Early Education Fund.
Austin is originally from a rural logging town in northern California. She has been indelibly shaped by the closeness of her small hometown, the ability to run wild outside, and through observing first hand the impact of poverty on families. Austin is most proud of her work uplifting the voices of those with less power, frequently alongside her passionate wife Stephanie and their advocate-in-training son Wilder.
Live Musical Performance:
The Jephries
Anchorage, Alaska gave birth to The Jephries in February, 2013. The Jephries are comprised of Sid Conklin, Jay Straw, and Logan Rooney. Their sound can best be described as grunge-driven indie rock with a psychedelic flavor. Wielding a dynamic set, stages have been shared with international touring acts, new bands, and everything in between. The Brothers Jephrie released their debut album, Park Human, in August of 2015. Their sophomore release, Holland, came out in March 2019. A new album is set to debut this August.