Human Rights & Equity Committee

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November 1, 2026 13:00 Leave a Comment

November 1 marks the start of Native American Heritage Month across the United States. Also observed as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, this month provides an opportunity to recognize the profound contributions, vibrant cultures, and enduring sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

From the ancestral homelands of Alaska Native peoples across the North to sovereign Tribal Nations and ancestral lands throughout the contiguous United States, our Union honors the generations of Indigenous workers and leaders who have shaped our communities, our aviation history, and the broader labor movement.

The journey toward formal national recognition began more than a century ago through the steadfast advocacy of Indigenous leaders like Dr. Arthur C. Parker (Cattaraugus Seneca), who pushed for an official “American Indian Day”. In 1916, New York became the first state to declare an official American Indian Day. National recognition expanded in 1976 when President Gerald Ford designated Native American Awareness Week, followed by a landmark 1990 joint congressional resolution signed by President George H.W. Bush establishing the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Since 1994, annual presidential proclamations have recognized this month under names celebrating Native American and Alaska Native heritage.

As aviation safety professionals and Union members, our commitment to equity, social justice, and dignity in the workplace is rooted in learning, listening, and standing together in solidarity.

Learn More About Indigenous History & Heritage

Expand your understanding of Indigenous history, cultural resilience, and contemporary contributions through these educational platforms and community resources:

Native American Heritage Month – Library of Congress: Explore exhibits, archival treasures, and primary source collections compiled by the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution.
National Museum of the American Indian: Discover educational programs, virtual collections, and tribal history through the Smithsonian Institution.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Deepen your knowledge of the living traditions, languages, and art representing Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups.
U.S. Department of the Interior / Bureau of Indian Affairs: Access tribal governance records, history, and official national observances.
National Archives and Records Administration: Research primary historical documents, treaties, and photographs through the Native Communities research portal.
National Park Service: Explore the historic places, sacred landscapes, and tribal heritage preserved across our national park system.
National Congress of American Indians: Learn about tribal sovereignty, policy initiatives, and Indigenous advocacy.
Native Land Digital: View an interactive global mapping tool detailing Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages.
Alaska Air Group Native Employee Network (NEN): Connect with company-sponsored employee resource programming via Team AAG (AAG SSO required).

Wear Your Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing Native American Heritage Month. As part of this initiative, a commemorative Native American Heritage Month pin was established for AFA Members to wear in solidarity throughout November. If you need a commemorative pin, please connect directly with your LEC Officers to find out how to get one.

Questions & Support

Our Human Rights & Equity Committee works year-round to advocate for an inclusive and respectful workplace for every Flight Attendant. If you have questions, wish to learn more, or want to become involved in committee initiatives, please contact your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

October 1, 2026 13:00

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), Andrew Stinson (pmAS SEA), Trista Vanta (SFO), and MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

Our Committee met directly with management representatives from inflight operations and corporate security, including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia, Director of Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson, Manager of Security Operations David Stewart, and Director of Security Fermin Navarrette.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

Upcoming Management Bulletin on ICE Interactions: At the direct recommendation of our Human Rights & Equity Committee, inflight management will issue an official must read bulletin providing operational guidance and defining procedures for interactions between Flight Attendants and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
ICE Incident Reporting Form: To track law enforcement interactions and protect Flight Attendant safety and rights on duty, please report any ICE-related incidents or concerns using our confidential AFA ICE Incident/Concern Reporting Form.
Enhanced Employee Recognition & Heritage Celebrations: Management’s Culture & Belonging Department is updating its employee recognition program while continuing to recognize and celebrate heritage months through Team AAG. The Committee is advocating to ensure these recognition efforts broadly reflect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our workgroup.

What The Committee Is Working On

Optional Pronouns on Uniform Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. Progress is being tracked alongside ongoing merger integration, as final rollout may align with a new standardized wing design across both airlines.
Land Acknowledgment Signage in Workplace Locations: To acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities on whose traditional territories we live and work, our Committee is working to establish permanent land acknowledgment signage in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations. Land acknowledgments formally recognize the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
Uniform Policy Allowance for Traditional Batok Tattoos: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display visible traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by Indigenous communities in the Philippines and holds deep cultural significance. Management has not made a final decision on the policy, and our Committee continues to advocate for approval.
Transition to Joint Drug & Alcohol Support BRG/ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is transitioning into a combined Business Resource Group (BRG) and Employee Resource Group (ERG). The group offers resources, peer support, and educational programs for Flight Attendants and fellow employees navigating substance use issues, focusing on prevention, recovery, and reducing workplace stigma surrounding addiction.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the Committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

September 15, 2026 09:00

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the nation. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that expanded the celebration to a full month, reflecting the growing recognition of Hispanic-Latinx Americans’ vital role in shaping American society. Today, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together, learn, celebrate, and foster greater understanding.

The timing of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is especially meaningful. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—each of which declared independence from Spain in 1821. This date was chosen to honor the shared history and aspirations of these nations. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21, further enriching the month with stories of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. These intertwined histories help us appreciate the depth and diversity of Hispanic-Latinx heritage in the Americas.

Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

To enhance your understanding of Hispanic-Latinx history and contributions, we invite you to explore some of the following informative resources:

Celebrate with a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin

We invite you to join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin! In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution honoring Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative AFA pin for Members. Wearing this pin is a visible way to express pride, solidarity, and support throughout the month.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of the pin, reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. Want to get your hands on this unique pin? Keep an eye out for availability updates from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to ensure you don’t miss out.

Questions?

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is here to assist you.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

June 30, 2026 13:00

On Wednesday, June 24, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), and Erika Daniel (SAN). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee also attended.

The Committee met with several members of management, including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia, and Director of Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

Pride Parade AFA Participation: The committee discussed upcoming participation by AFA Human Rights & Equity Committees and other AFA Representatives in ANC, SEA, PDX, SFO, and SAN. All Flight Attendants are welcome and encouraged to join. Additional event information is available at: https://afacwa.org/join-our-afa-siblings-at-pride/.
2026 CWA Human Rights Conference: This event will be held in Atlanta, GA, from August 16 to 19. All Local Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons, as well as the MEC Committee Chairperson, are registered to attend.
Supervisor Presence for Uniform Compliance Checks: The Committee expressed concerns aboutsupervisors being on board to conduct uniform compliance checks during or immediately before boarding. This practice was noted as distracting and potentially a safety concern.
ADA-Accessible Hotel Rooms on Layovers: Flight Attendants registered in PeopleSoft as employees with a disability may request an ADA-accessible room upon check-in at their layover hotel. The hotel is required to provide an accessible room upon request, subject to availability and applicable requirements. Alternatively, crew members may contact the hotel the night before arrival to request accommodations. Information regarding ADA accommodation requests will be included in the hotel update distributed at the beginning of July.
Idaho House Bill (HB) 752: This bill,which would have criminalized transgender individuals for using public restrooms consistent with their gender identity, is currently blocked by a preliminary injunction while its constitutionality is challenged in court. Management is awaiting the outcome before determining next steps. The Committee discussed providing employees with a resource that identifies all-gender restroom locations to assist them when traveling. This topic will remain an ongoing discussion with the Cultural & Belonging department and inflight management.

What The Committee Is Working On

Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
Land Acknowledgment Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgments are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippine and holds deep cultural significance. Management hasn’t made a final decision on the policy.
Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.

We Want to Hear From You!

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 1, 2026 09:00

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance grew to a month-long celebration by 1990 and, since 1992, has been officially celebrated in May. The month was chosen for its significance: May 7 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, and May 10 commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, a landmark made possible by Chinese immigrant labor. This is not just a look back, but an opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse voices shaping our shared future.

Explore The Rich Heritage Of Asian American And Pacific Islander Contributions

Want to learn more? This is a great time to celebrate and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities around you. Learn about trailblazers, honor those who often go unrecognized, and find new ways to show your support. Check out these resources to get started:

Join In The Celebration With An Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the Month as a visible symbol of pride and unity. Wearing it is a simple but meaningful way to show support, start conversations, and honor AAPI individuals, both past and present.

Want to know more about the story behind the pin? Reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you’d like a pin, look for updates from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to learn how to get one. Let’s celebrate, learn, and honor the heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities together.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Learn More About Indigenous History & Heritage