The first of two panels dedicated to public safety in Alaska Native communities was preceded by remarks from U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan, introduced by AFN President Julie Kitka.

AFN President Julie Kitka made wide-ranging remarks touching on climate change, public safety, partnership opportunities with the U.S. military and the convention theme of “Good Government, Alaskan Driven.”

“Good government is governance that meets the needs of the people,” Kitka said, adding later, “Good government is all of us.”

Dunleavy said he has been listening to what people have been saying and plans to incorporate their comments into his next budget. He said the Department of Public Safety plans to add 35 troopers in the coming years.