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1.    Oratory: A 5-15 minute speech that advocates ways of thinking, belief systems, or an attitude toward specific issues related to Alaska Native, American Indians or indigenous cultures. The speaker may use limited notes or deliver it from memory. Oratory topics may include, but are not limited to subsistence, sovereignty, urban/rural conflicts, bilingualism, religious freedom, education, or traditional values. Speeches must make strong use of supporting materials such as elders' teachings, cultural lore, and public record (magazines, newspapers, Internet, etc.). Sources should be clearly cited during the speech and included on notes or in a manuscript must be made available to officials prior to the event.

2.    Commemorative Narration (Dramatic Declamation): A 5-15 minute interpretive reading or recitation of an historic Alaska Native, American Indian or Indigenous cultural speech or persuasive document. Speakers are encouraged to give impressions of the document's author through costume, movement, and/or delivery. Cutting and presentation of the material should accurately convey the author's intent. The declamation will be preceded by introductory remarks meant to establish a theme, demonstrate understanding of the material, and state the author and title of the work. The introduction is part of the timed presentation. The original speech text will be published, recorded or transcribed and the introductory remarks and declamation text itself must be made available to event officials prior to the beginning of the oratory celebration.

3. Storytelling: A 5-15 minute recitation of one or more Native American or Indigenous cultural stories. The speaker may use limited notes, but special consideration will be given to those students who deliver memorized or extemporaneous speeches. The story(ies) must be published, recorded, or transcribed with permission from the author, clan, elder, or tribe when appropriate, or photocopied from a book accompanied by the cover page. The story(ies) should be preceded by introductory remarks meant to establish a theme, demonstrate understanding of the material, and state the author and title of the work. The introduction is part of the timed presentation. If more than one story is presented, the speaker will provide a transition between literary works to show thematic interrelationship(s). Aspects of theater may be incorporated, such as interpretation of 2 or more characters, appropriate costuming, limited props, and dramatic movement (blocking). The original story text will be published, recorded or transcribed and must be made available to event officials prior to the start of the oratory celebration event.

4.    Native Language: There are two ways to enter a speech in Native Languages. (1) Students are invited to employ a Native Language in any of the preceding three events.. In other words, you need not construct a separate speech employing a native language, you simply incorporate a native language into the 5-10 minute presentation(s) you are already using. (2) you can write a  speech specifically for this category. A significant portion of the speech must be in the Native Language.