Photos: Alaska Federation of Natives 2014 Convention The Alaska Federation of Natives' annual three-day convention -- the biggest Alaska Native gathering of the year – started Thursday morning at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. The conference attracts as many as 5,000 people from Barrow to Kodiak, Nome to Sitka. It’s a huge economic driver for Anchorage, a chance for politicians to mingle and candidates to prowl for votes, a reunion for families and friends and colleagues.