Experienced Alaska Native Leader in Line for Denali Commission Top Spot

Julie Kitka, a pivotal figure within the Alaska Federation of Natives where she has long served as president, has been nominated to take up the mantle as the federal co-chair of the Denali Commission. This recommendation, put forward by Alaska’s congressional delegates, positions Kitka as a frontrunner for an essential role within an organization committed to bolstering rural Alaskan communities through initiatives aimed at economic development and enhancing climate resilience.

Upon confirmation, Kitka would succeed the interim co-chair, diving headfirst into a role where her decades of advocacy and leadership on behalf of Alaskan Natives can shine on a federal platform. It’s a move that has drawn commendation from figures such as Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has lauded Kitka for her effective leadership and ability to bridge divides among diverse Native groups, addressing pivotal issues across local, state, and federal arenas.

The prospect of Kitka’s appointment brings with it expectations of continued progress and innovation in supporting the unique needs of rural Alaska, leveraging her extensive background and deep-seated commitment to the well-being of Alaskan Native communities.