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FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention, believed to be the biggest gathering of Natives in the state, is returning to Fairbanks.

AFN board members decided on an 18-9 vote Wednesday to hold the convention to Fairbanks in October 2010. The last two conventions were held in Anchorage.

The decision was made on a conference call Wednesday between board members in Anchorage and Washington, D.C., where AFN President Julie Kitka and staff were attending meetings.

Fairbanks was host to the convention in 2005 and 2007.

AFN board member Georgianna Lincoln said Fairbanks' past hospitality came through "loud and clear."

"What Wally (Carlo) and I said in speaking in favor of Fairbanks was the fact it allowed (Interior) village residents and Fairbanksans who could not otherwise afford to travel to Anchorage to be able to attend," Lincoln said.

Deb Hickok, president and CEO of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, expressed excitement about AFN's return.

"We'll kick in and get all our committees in gear again. We know we will have great community support," she said.

Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker and Fairbanks Mayor Terry Strle applauded the decision as well.

"We should roll out the red carpet the same way we did last time," Strle said. "I think this is great for our community and a way for our community to show the Native community how much we appreciate them."