Speaker set for native conference

Advertiser Staff

Byron Mallott, president of the First Alaskan Foundation, will deliver the keynote address at the "Strength Through Unity" Native Hawaiian issues conference Sept. 10-14 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Mallott will speak on Sept. 11, the official opening day of the event. Other participating speakers are Jacqueline Johnson, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians; University of Hawai'i at Manoa President Evan Dobelle; Nainoa Thompson, a former UH regent and now a trustee for Kamehameha Schools; and U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka.

"The conference represents a time for anyone in Hawai'i who is interested in Native Hawaiian community initiatives, whether it is a passion for health issues or affordable housing programs, to come together with others working on similar challenges," said Robin Puanani Danner, president of the nonprofit Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, which is coordinating the event.

Cultural workshops are scheduled for Sept. 10.

Anyone interested in attending the conference should call the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at 521-5011 or visit the Web site www.hawaiiancouncil.org