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| Discussing Alaska Native population numbers in Census, March 2007 |
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The Alaska Native Policy Center (Policy Center) is a project of the First Alaskans Institute created to support the Native voice and perspective in the public policy-making process. The Policy Center connects people and ideas producing knowledge that can be used to understand and improve the lives of Alaska Natives and all Alaskans. The Policy Center uses a proactive and forward- thinking approach, a focus that is statewide, and a relationship with the Native community that helps Alaska Native leaders and other policy makers access information they can use to help achieve healthy, thriving communities.
"We Alaska Natives are eminently capable of analyzing politics, economics and social behavior from a slightly different point of view than is generally offered. We have something to add to the discussion, and we have the right, at long last, to be listened to."
Janie Leask, President and CEO First Alaskans Institute
"Native Minds Shaping Our Future"
The Policy Center will provide Native leaders and other policy makers with the best available knowledge in order that Alaska Natives be proactively involved in - and influence - the education, economic and social policy issues that impact our future as 21st century indigenous peoples.
Expand the Policy Center's research and analysis capacity to provide accurate, credible information for Alaska Native leaders and other policy makers as a tool in developing policy initiatives that improve the lives of Alaska Natives
- Develop and disseminate Alaska Native demographic information
- Continue to provide a voice through ongoing discussions, forums and gatherings
- Provide opportunities for internships and fellowships for policy research projects
The Policy Center currently is working to expand its ability to provide information and data on Alaska Natives at a statewide and regional level. This kind of information can be used as a tool in developing and measuring the impact of policies and programs, resource allocation, and for short term and long term planning.
Current Policy Center projects include building regional fact sheets using Census data, updates to the Alaska Native K-12 Education Indicators report and the development of a set of data measures that link economic growth and poverty reduction. In addition, the Policy Center is developing the 2007 Discussion Series schedule. The Discussion Series is intended to bring current information to participants and learn about programs and policies that are working in our communities and villages to address the issues that affect our communities.
The Policy Center is also developing a "Getting Behind the Numbers" program. The purpose of this program is to answer questions raised by the data, to develop a research and analysis capacity within the Native community, to build leadership and networks within the field of research and analysis in our communities. Past "Getting Behind the Numbers" projects can be found in our website Library.
Please give us your feedback as we continue to develop these programs. We want to provide information products that will be useful to your work in attaining healthy and thriving communities.
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