Quyana Alaska | Alaska Federation of Natives

Our traditional dances remain the lifeblood of our culture and our communities. They sustain and connect us with our rich cultural history. Passed down from generation to generation, our dances ensure that the many distinct Native cultures across Alaska remain connected to their origins. For over 35 years, Alaska Natives have come together in dance to celebrate Quyana Alaska during the annual AFN Convention.

First introduced at the 1982 AFN Convention, Quyana Alaska was initially introduced as a ‘thank you’ from AFN to Alaskans statewide for supporting the Native community in a pro-subsistence vote. ‘Quyana’ means ‘thank you’ in Yup’ik. Through the years, this cultural celebration has helped restore our traditional dances and ensure they are passed onto future generations. Quyana Alaska has expanded to two evenings featuring 14 groups from across the state. In all, more than 200 different dance groups have performed. The cultural revival has certainly exploded across rural Alaska, and Quyana Alaska is now a treasured highlight of each and every Convention.

The AFN Convention and Quyana I and II are broadcast live on gavel-to-gavel television on GCI Channel 907 and Internet. The broadcasts reach thousands of remote communities throughout Alaska and through the Internet, around the world. Estimated audience ranges from 10,000 – 40,000 viewers during primetime.

2021 Quyana Online Application Form

Applications are due on June 18, 2021.

What is the name of the Dance Group you are applying for?*
Please provide a phonetic spelling of your Dance Group’s name to assist announcers with accurate pronunciation. (Example: Unangax, oo-nung-uh)*
Please provide your group’s cultural affiliation(s). (Examples: Yup’ik, Ahtna, Haida)*
Please tell us more about your group’s history and background (500 words or less). If selected to perform, this information will be used to promote the event and in convention and brochure materials, as well as to prep the co-emcees for the event.*
You may also attach a brief biography below, if your group has one prepared.
Brief Biography
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt.
If selected to perform at Quyana Alaska, approximately how many members do you expect to perform?*
Group Coordinator Contact Information
This could be yourself, or the best person to get in contact with for logistics and planning purposes.
Contact Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Phone*
Email*
Has your group performed at Quyana previously?*
- Yes
- No
If your group has never performed at Quyana, how many times has your group applied in the last five years?*
Please answer this question honestly and to the best of your knowledge.
AFN wants to ensure that both youth and Elders are represented at Quyana Alaska. Please explain below if your group members include a significant number of youth, Elders, or both.*
You can choose to put N/A (not applicable) here.
AFN often provides opportunities during the Main Convention Agenda and related events for dance groups to perform. Here is a list of potential performance opportunities taking place outside of Quyana Alaska:
- A performance at the start of each morning plenary session.
- Occasionally we request a dance group to perform as a way to welcome an honored guest or dignitary during the plenary sessions.
- AFN sometimes organizes special receptions following plenary sessions in which we request a dance group to perform.
- A closing performance late Saturday afternoon.
- A performance for the banquet Saturday evening.
Please indicate if your group is interested in performing during the day as part of the Main Convention Agenda and/or other related events.*
- Yes
- No
Agreement: By clicking on the box below, you are submitting an application to perform at the 2021 AFN Quyana Alaska. This form is not a guarantee of participation.*
Notification letters will be sent via email on July 9, 2021. AFN does not cover travel and lodging expenses, however a small honorarium will be paid after the Quyana Alaska performances.
- I agree
Phone
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Have a specific question about Convention?

Please use the form below to tell us about it and be sure to choose your topic so we can get your question to just the right member of the AFN team!

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2021 Quyana Online Application Form

Group Coordinator Contact Information

AFN often provides opportunities during the Main Convention Agenda and related events for dance groups to perform. Here is a list of potential performance opportunities taking place outside of Quyana Alaska:

Have a specific question about Convention?