FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2006

NATIVE HAWAIIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES EMBARK ON TRADE MISSION

HONOLULU, HI -- Representatives from the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) left the United States on March 5th to Manila, Philippines, for meetings with officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  Talks will include social and economic development strategies and experiences of indigenous peoples.

"We have a lot to learn and share in the Asia Pacific region," said Jade Danner Vice President of CNHA and mission delegate.  "The traditional ideas and approaches of Native peoples are as relevant today as they have ever been, whether its commerce, caring for the environment or engaging in sustainable economic activities that are founded in cultural ideas and identities."

AFN President Julie Kitka is leading the mission along with Barry Brickman, a consultant for AFN, and Chuck Becker, Director for the Alaska Export Assistance Center in the U.S. Department of Commerce.  Meetings with several ADB divisions are scheduled, providing opportunities to engage in dialogue about the projects supported by the Asian Development Bank and the implementation of its Indigenous Peoples policy.  The U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Liaison Office in Manila assisted mission delegates to plan and execute the trip.

CNHA will review its information technology social enterprises that include partnerships with multiple Indian Nations and Alaska Native firms from around the country, as well as social enterprises that support Native Hawaiian businesses operating in the islands.  "Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians have incredible histories and experiences both from a cultural perspective and the challenge of engaging in enterprises that support our traditions", Danner stated.  "Planned meetings will discuss not only our enterprise models, but national public policies that protect cultural treasurers and respect the right of Native peoples to govern their own resources and decision making.  Certainly, language, culture, education and social development are all vital and continue to be mainstay priorities in the economic activism of Native peoples."

CNHA is a national, member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community development in Native communities.  Operating a Public Policy Center, CNHA conducts educational workshops on federal legislation of interest to Native communities in the areas of healthcare, education, affordable housing, cultural preservation and economic development.  For more information, please contact CNHA via telephone at 808.521.5011 or toll free at 808.709.2642, via e-mail at info@hawaiiancouncil.org or visit our website at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

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Media Contact:
Lilia Kapuniai, Vice President
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Phone: 808.521.5011 or 800.709.2642
www.hawaiiancouncil.org
www.hawaiianwayfund.org
www.anapacific.org
www.dhhlhoap.org
www.hhtech.net
www.nativealliance.com