The delegates also adopted a resolution endorsing U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, who is Yup’ik, as Alaska’s sole representative to Congress. She’s the first Alaska Native member of Congress. She’s in a tight race to hold on to her position in Alaska, which typically votes Republican.

Delegates from tribes, nonprofit tribal organizations and regional and village Native corporations passed 18 resolutions ranging from a call for Congress to recognize Native rights to subsistence hunting to support for the state prioritizing public education funding.

The Congresswoman’s comments come after revelations that some state Republicans may have killed a bill that would have eliminated a witness signature requirement for absentee ballots because of a perception that it could benefit Alaska Native voters.