KNBA 90.3 FM

11/02/2024

The Alaska Music Spotlight: live with Grace C Elliot tonight at 5:30 pm!

Grace C Elliott has an ethereal voice, taking her listeners on a journey into her multi-genre universe full of dream-pop, blues, and orchestral tunes. Her music feels like a dream and many of her lyrics are examinations of her own dreams. Those of love, meaning, and life. Grace is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Anchorage, Alaska who migrated to the faraway land of Las Vegas, Nevada where she released her debut album with her co-producer Tim Sorbs. Her self-titled album earned her music a place on NPR's Tiny Desk competition and on Spotify's Fresh Finds playlist. Grace is now back in Anchorage, and will be gracing the Beartooth stage on November 14. We cannot wait to hear her, as Grace would say, “lovely little melodic bleep-bloops” at Parlor In The Round. Do you have your ticket? https://beartooththeatre.filmbot.com/special_events/parlor-in-the-round-season-10/

Grace will be featured on KNBA 90.3 FM's Alaska Music Spotlight tonight at 5:00 PM! Make sure to tune in.

11/01/2024

Before their relocation along the Trail of Tears, southeast tribes found a need to curb cattle rustling and other violations of tribal laws. The Five Tribes organized tribal law enforcement units that came to be known as Lighthorse. They would respond to crimes such as stagecoach robberies, bootlegging, murder, and land disputes. For several years, the Lighthorse acted as judge, jury, even executioner. The Cherokee Lighthorsemen have their origins in Georgia, but were official formed in November 1844. The tribes continue to use the term “Lighthorse” to refer to their community policing units. We’ll hear about the history of “Lighthorse” and how they paved the way for tribal law enforcement.

GUESTS

Scott Ketchum (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Studies for East Central University

Julie Reed (Cherokee Nation), associate professor in history at University

Michelle Cooke (Chickasaw Nation), senior staff writer for the Chickasaw Press and author of "Protecting Our People: Chickasaw Law Enforcement in Indian Territory"

Before their relocation along the Trail of Tears, southeast tribes found a need to curb cattle rustling and other violations of tribal laws. The Five Tribes organized tribal law enforcement units that came to be known as Lighthorse. They would respond to crimes such as stagecoach robberies, bootlegg...

10/31/2024

ACT's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde has been referred to as ACT's best radio play to date. That's saying something since it is our 5th one since 2020! This radio play is all locally made, from the book adaptation, to the cast and crew, and to being produced by Alaska's longest running theatre company, and airing on a Native owned local radio station. There is ONLY ONE CHANCE to catch this show live and on-the-air, and that is tonight at 7PM on 90.3 FM. If you don't have a radio to tune into, no problem you can listen live on the KNBA 90.3 FM website. You'll find the "play button" on the black bar on the top page of the site. Enjoy... if you dare! https://www.knba.org/

10/31/2024

is the right time to dive into new spooky books by authors. Ramona Emerson’s new sequel, "Exposure", checks back in with her character Rita Todacheene, a Navajo forensic photographer introduced in Emerson’s debut novel, "Shutter", who continues to be haunted by crime victims. Dark and menacing supernatural entities follow Choctaws along the infamous Trail of Tears to Oklahoma in Devon Mihesuah’s "The Bone Picker", a collection of fictional stories set in real-life histories. Nathan Adler co-edited a collection of scary stories along with Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation) called "Zegaajimo: Indigenous Horror Fiction". Hunkpapa Lakota humorist and author Tiffany Midge’s newest collection of poetry, "Horns", weaves through her creative use of language and satire. These authors join us for a conversation about horror in Native literature.

GUESTS

Nathan Niigan Noodin Adler (Anishinaabe and member of Lac de Mille Lacs First Nation), writer, author, and editor

Devon Mihesuah (Choctaw), writer, historian, and the Cora Lee Beers Price Teaching Professor at the University of Kansas

Ramona Emerson (Diné), writer and filmmaker

Tiffany Midge (Hunkpapa Lakota), poet, humorist, and author

Halloween is the right time to dive into new spooky books by Native authors. Ramona Emerson’s new sequel, Exposure, checks back in with her character Rita Todacheene, a Navajo forensic photographer introduced in Emerson’s debut novel, Shutter, who continues to be haunted by crime victims. Dark a...

10/31/2024

Join us for Election Night Live, a four-hour coast-to-coast broadcast brought to you by Indian Country Today, FNX | First Nations Experience, National Native News, and Native Voice One (NV1) this Tuesday, November 5 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Anchored by Antonia Gonzales (Navajo) and Shaun Griswold (Laguna) with insights from ICT Political Correspondent Pauly Denetclaw (Navajo) and reporters across the country, this special coverage will bring live updates and in-depth analysis as election results come in from across Indian Country.

Our correspondents will report from key states and races, with a special focus on Indigenous candidates and issues impacting Indigenous communities.

And tune into on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6 at 1 p.m. ET for the latest updates on this historic election.

https://www.nativenews.net/native-vote-2024-election-night-special/

10/30/2024

Do you have a used car that is no longer needed? Do you love our programming? Well, you can park your vehicle into positive change by donating it to KNBA.

Donating a used car is hassle-free. Just call 855-500-7433 or go to https://knba.careasy.org/home to fill out a form. Your support helps KNBA bring you programs like America Calling that you can count on!

10/30/2024

Four just received the nation’s highest honor recognizing work and dedication to enriching the community. President Joe Biden awarded the 2022-2023 National Humanities Medals to Muscogee poet Joy Harjo, long-time Cherokee educator Dr. Robert Martin, Potawatomi author and scientist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Tlingit cultural advocate Dr. Rosita Worl. The awards, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities, honors individuals and organizations that deepen “the nation's understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens' engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.” Native America Calling was the first Native organization to receive a National Humanities Medal in 2021.

GUESTS

Dr. Rosita Worl (Tlingit), anthropologist, cultural leader, president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute, and 2023 National Humanities Medalist

Joy Harjo (Muscogee), poet and 2022 National Humanities Medalist

Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee), president of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and 2022 National Humanities Medalist

Shelly C. Lowe (Diné), chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities

Four Native Americans just received the nation’s highest honor recognizing work and dedication to enriching the community. President Joe Biden awarded the 2022-2023 National Humanities Medals to Muscogee poet Joy Harjo, long-time Cherokee educator Dr. Robert Martin, Potawatomi author and scientist...

10/29/2024

Anchorage Community Theatre presents The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde: A Live Radio Play adapted by P. Shane Mitchell. Tune-in for Live Radio Theatre fun on Halloween Night at 7PM on 90.3 FM KNBA and streaming at www.knba.org!

10/29/2024

Global business connections are a way to build economic development. But it’s also a way to promote cross-cultural relationships and understanding across borders. The World Business Forum aims to strengthen those bonds. The annual forum returns to the U.S. for the first time in nine years with at least 1,000 Indigenous business leaders meeting in Albuquerque to talk about success stories and barriers when it comes to trade across global boundaries. We’ll hear about what they hope to accomplish.

GUESTS

Andrew Carrier (Red River Métis), vice president of the Manitoba Métis Federation and co-founder of the World Indigenous Business Forum

Wayne Garnons-Williams (Plains Cree from Treaty 6, Moosomin First Nation). chair of IITIO _ International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organisation

Ron Solimon (Laguna Pueblo), vice chair of Laguna Development Corporation

Global business connections are a way to build economic development. But it’s also a way to promote cross-cultural relationships and understanding across borders. The World Indigenous Business Forum aims to strengthen those bonds. The annual forum returns to the U.S. for the first time in nine yea...

10/28/2024

The annual raven migration from the wilds of Alaska to Anchorage appears to be bringing lots of ravens to town. The question is: Will the rare white raven that appeared in Spenard last October be among them? There is no guarantee, but there are high hopes the bird will return.

A rare white raven captivated Anchorage last winter but departed in April with other flocks of ravens, intent upon returning to the wilderness to nest and raise their young. Bird experts say it's possible the white raven could come back to town to spend the winter. In the last week, eyes have turned...

10/28/2024

Indian boarding schools notoriously worked to stamp out languages, religions, and cultures. And part of that was an effort to cut ties between Native children and their traditional means of sustenance. In light of President Joe Biden’s apology, we’ll review another legacy of the shameful federal policy. And Alana Yazzie, who goes by The Fancy Navajo, just launched a new cookbook, which blends old and new Native food traditions.

GUESTS

Arlen Washines (Yakama), member of the Washington State Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee

Alana Yazzie (Totsohni/Ta'neeszahnii), author of "The Modern Navajo Kitchen: Homestyle Recipes that Celebrate the Flavors and Traditions of the Diné"

Jim LaBelle (Iñupiaq), member of National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition board of directors

Indian boarding schools notoriously worked to stamp out Native languages, religions, and cultures. And part of that was an effort to cut ties between Native children and their traditional means of sustenance. In light of President Joe Biden’s apology, we’ll review another legacy of the shameful ...

10/25/2024

KNBA needs your old used car, but not for driving. Donate your vehicle to KNBA through CARS so Native voices and stories continue to be heard!

Selling a vehicle can be a hassle. Skip the frustration and save your time by donating your used car to KNBA. Plus, it’s good CARma! You can schedule your free car pickup this Cartober with CARS. Simply call 855-500-7433 or go online to https://knba.careasy.org/home to fill out the form.

10/25/2024

President Joe Biden is taking the historic step to formally apologize for the federal government’s role in the failed Indian Board School era. The first-of-its-kind acknowledgement comes after Department of U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland released the final report from a three-year investigation that included formal listening sessions from boarding school survivors and their relatives. The report documented at least 18,000 children who were sent to distant live-in schools where they were forced to abandon their languages and cultures. They were subjected to extensive physical and sexual abuse. Nearly 1,000 children died while attending the institutions far from their families. We’ll hear from Sec. Haaland and others who have been working on building the infrastructure of healing from the Boarding School Era.

President Joe Biden is taking the historic step to formally apologize for the federal government’s role in the failed Indian Board School era. The first-of-its-kind acknowledgement comes after Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland released the final report from a three-year investigation th...

10/24/2024

The Parka Parade at the 2024 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention in Anchorage. Check out our complete coverage with Antonia Gonzales and Jill Fratis.

https://www.nv1.org/2024-alaska-federation-of-natives-convention-live-broadcast/

10/24/2024

BREAKING NEWS: President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona on Friday, where he is expected to deliver a historic apology for federal Indian boarding schools. Tune into Friday's edition of National Native News with Antonia Gonzales for details.

https://www.nativenews.net/breaking-news-biden-to-apologize-for-indian-boarding-schools/

10/24/2024

Every year, thousands of are going without the health care they’re entitled to or are risking costly medical bills for treatment that should be covered. A new report by KFF Health News focuses on the Purchased/Referred Care program in which patients seek outside treatment that the Indian Health Service (IHS) doesn’t offer. The report says the PRC program denied more than $550 million in payment requests from outside medical facilities in 2022, putting patients on the hook financially. Some tribes with resources are able to establish tribally-run care. Others are working on tribal health insurance programs. We’ll get a look at the problem facing those relying on IHS, and what can be done to solve it.

GUESTS

Misty Heiden (enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and a descendent of the Red Lake Nation, Leech Lake Tribe, White Earth Nation, Ponca, and Omaha)

Brian Gunn (member of the Colville Tribe), represents Indian tribes as principal at Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC

Arielle Zionts, world health reporter with KFF Health News

Captain Joe Bryant, chief executive officer of the Clinton Indian Health Center with Clinton Indian Health Service

Every year, thousands of Native Americans are going without the health care they’re entitled to or are risking costly medical bills for treatment that should be covered. A new report by KFF Health News focuses on the Purchased/Referred Care program in which patients seek outside treatment that IHS...

10/23/2024

is the first state to extend electronic ballots to tribal members. It allows them to register and vote from their own homes, giving rural voters an alternative to traveling miles to their nearest polling or ballot drop-off site. It’s an idea that other states remain wary of. In Alaska, efforts to improve voting among Native voters remain elusive. Opposition from Republican state lawmakers killed a bill eliminating witness signatures on absentee ballots. On a conservative talk show, the Alaska House Speaker admitted she opposed it because it would have favored U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat and the only Alaska Native in Congress. Rep. Peltola calls it "a concerted effort to silence" Native votes. We'll discuss progress and continuing hurdles for Native voters, as part of our coverage.

GUESTS

Mathilda Guerrero Miller (Kanaka Maoli), government relations director for Native Voters Alliance Nevada

Elveda Martinez (Walker River Paiute Tribe), voter rights activist

Michelle Sparck (Qissunamiut Tribe of Chevak), director of Get Out The Native Vote

Gabriel Di Chiara, Chief Deputy Nevada Secretary of State

https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-october-23-2024-ways-to-improve-rural-native-voting-access/

10/23/2024

Happy Public Radio Music Day! KNBA is proud to bring great music to our community every day, including music from Indigenous and local artists!

Happy Public Radio Music Day! This year’s theme is "Bringing People Together: From Coast to Coast," spotlighting public radio's impact on American audiences nationwide and how music brings communities together through music discovery, music education, and support for local arts economies!

Check out how noncommercial stations across America are celebrating ! https://noncommusic.org/prmd/happenings/

10/22/2024

Some colleges and universities say admissions for the have suffered after struck down race-conscious recruitment. Harvard University reports a drop in enrollment for Native students and other students of color. Other colleges say it’s still too early to say. We’ll get an update on the trends for Native enrollment in post-secondary education and how Native students can adjust to the new admissions reality.

GUESTS

Mikaela Crank (Navajo Nation), scholars program director for College Horizons

Matt Ybarra, program director for Rural Opportunities for College Access (ROCA)

Dr. Corey Still (citizen of the United Keetoowah band of Cherokee Indians), senior research director at One Fire Associates, LLC

Some colleges and universities say Native American admissions for the class of 2028 have suffered after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down race-conscious recruitment. Harvard University reports a drop in enrollment for Native students and other students of color. Other colleges say it’s still too ...

10/21/2024

Listen to KNBA to hear the Parlor in the Round featured artists! Tune in afternoons on 90.3fm and streaming with the Free App!

Aaaaand we’re off! On the eve of a full hunter's moon we gathered at the Beartooth to share stories, laughs, and music. What a sweet start to Parlor In The Round’s 10th season! There is so much to look forward to. Stay tuned for our November show release 👀

10/21/2024

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has already made history as Mexico’s first female president. She also comes into office with a promise to bolster the rights and recognition for the country’s many peoples. Her inauguration included a traditional Indigenous blessing ceremony, something that at least one church leader criticized as "witchcraft". We’ll explore what the Sheinbaum presidency means for Mexico’s Indigenous peoples and what obstacles stand in the way.

GUESTS

Gaspar Rivera-Salgado (Mixteco), director for the UCLA Center for Mexican Studies

Mariano Machain, coordinator for the international advocacy non-profit group Service and Advice for Peace (Serapaz México)

Nicole Yanes (Opta), director of institutional philanthropy at NDNCollective

Claudia Sheinbaum has already made history as Mexico’s first female president. She also comes into office with a promise to bolster the rights and recognition for the country’s many Indigenous peoples. Her inauguration included a traditional Indigenous blessing ceremony, something that at least ...

10/21/2024

It’s Cartober! KNBA has partnered with CARS so our listeners can support us by donating their used cars.

Donate your used vehicle to KNBA by going to https://knba.careasy.org/home or calling 855-500-7433. It's that simple to turn your used car into support for the music and programs you love!

10/19/2024

While our KNBA producers are covering the Convention proceedings upstairs, KNBA outreach staff are at our booth in the first floor of the Dena’ina Center until 3:00 PM. Stop by if you’re here and enter a drawing to be on the air on KNBA!

10/19/2024

We are truly grateful for our 2024 AFN broadcast sponsors! KNBA statewide coverage of the Alaska Federation of Natives - Official Page AFN Convention is made possible by generous sponsors including Ahtna, Incorporated, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Bering Straits Native Corporation, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Koniag and NANA Regional Corporation. Thank you!