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A brief historical overview of 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Native’s impact and what happens at the convention, part 1 of 3 in English.
Native American Radio Network
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
A brief historical overview of 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Native’s impact and what happens at the convention, part 1 of 3 in English.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
A brief historical overview of 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Native’s impact and what happens at the convention, part 1 of 3 in English.
KNBA 90.3 FM and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation are in the 20th year of providing coverage of the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, a unique service that connects Native communities in Alaska through public radio.
Hear “Alaska’s Native Voice,” a one hour program providing the voices of the Alaska Federation of Natives convention attendees, as well as commentary and discussions about AFN presentations and activities, with host Antonia Gonzales. Coverage of AFN includes a five-minute daily newscast, and a 2 minute history showcase about 50 Years of AFN’s impact and what happens at the convention.
2016 Alaska’s Native Voice
2016 AFN Newscasts
2016 AFN Showcase Podcast: 50 Years of AFN
Available in English, Athabascan, Inupiaq, Tlingit, and Yup’ik
Tune in for the 20th annual broadcast of the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention LIVE from Fairbanks, AK. The broadcast covers the convention as it happens from the main podium. Listeners are able to hear the important speeches by Native leaders, state, and community representatives who are addressing the Native community as a whole.
Thursday, October 20:
9:00 am – 10:00am (Pacific Time)
11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Friday, October 21:
9:00 am – 10:00am (Pacific Time)
11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Saturday, October 22:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
By NV1
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Early in the election cycle I made a prediction: I said if Donald Trump was the Republican nominee, the House would be in play for the Democrats. The reaction (and more than once) was 30 seats? Not likely.
This is Trahant Reports.
Months later “not likely” is a word worth reconsidering. It’s now a possibility because Donald Trump’s war against Republicans has not only doomed his bid for the White House, but it’s increasing prospects that the Democrats will win the Senate and unlikely as it was, the House. There is some polling data to back up this idea (certainly good news for Native American candidates Denise Juneau, Joe Pakootas, and Chase Iron Eyes.)
A survey for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee shows a seven-point advantage for Democrats in a generic poll. This is a question asked every cycle, basically “would you vote for a Democrat or a Republican?” Usually it’s close. It favors Democrats, slightly. (Remember more people vote for Democrats for Congress. Republicans win because of the district system.) Two years ago before the election the same question showed Republicans with a two-tenths of one percent lead. The final result: Democrats 49.2 percent; Republicans 48 percent.
But recent polls shows Democrats with a seven point advantage. That’s sweep territory. And the prospect of the House of Representatives shifting from Paul Ryan’s leadership to Nancy Pelosi.
That survey says when a candidate is running against a Republican “who continues to endorse Donald Trump” the Democratic margin moves from a 7-point advantage to a 12-point advantage. Voters, especially mainstream voters, don’t like that approach. (The two Native American Republican candidates for Congress, Representatives Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma continue to back Trump as the party’s nominee.)
But here’s the thing. The Trump campaign has created an impossible dilemma for Republican candidates because he’s now attacking Republicans and forcing them to stand with him or against him.
That leaves Republicans with three choices. Hide. Denounce Trump. Or continue supporting Trump as a flawed candidate.
Joe Pakootas, a former chairman of the Colville Tribe, has been relentless about what Trumps said about women.“First of all, we need to stop normalizing rape culture. This means not tolerating any talk that encourages sexual assault. We need to make sure the burden is on the perpetrator, not the victim.”
Who else is in this camp? Rep. Kevin Cramer in North Dakota, who is being challenged by Chase Iron Eyes, and, in Montana, Rep. Ryan Zinke, who is running against Denise Juneau.
These are significant numbers. In a recent Montana poll Denise Juneau trailed Zinke by three points and another by 11 points. So a 12-point swing, well, would change everything. Same story in Washington state. And, if Iron Eyes can get his message out, even in North Dakota.
I am Mark Trahant reporting.
By NV1
Monday, October 17, 2016 – The tipping point for political change
Activists in North Dakota are camping out and going to jail to resist the Dakota Access Pipeline plan. Meanwhile lawyers for tribes and environmental groups chip away at the legal boundaries of the project in the courts. Whether you want to stop a pipeline, restore traditional hunting and fishing rights, or strengthen domestic violence laws, what strategies actually produce results?
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 — Tackling HPV
We’ll talk about the connection between cervical cancer and the sexually-transmitted disease, human papillomavirus, or HPV. A vaccination recommended for girls when they’re 11 or 12 years old is producing results, but participation among Native Americans lags behind other groups.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 – Treating pregnant addicts
Three states have laws against illegal drug use during pregnancy, so seeking treatment can land a woman in jail. But without treatment, women risk causing significant harm to the fetus. Access, motivation and stigma are also barriers for those considering treatment for addiction. We’ll look at programs aimed at helping pregnant addicts and some of the barriers to implementing them.
Thursday, October 20, 2016 – Making school science fun
We’re taking a look at the innovative and interesting ways teachers are getting Native American students excited about science. This is the first in a four part series focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. Native students’ math and science scores are well below those of white students. How can innovative science and math programs help students become future scientists?
Friday, October 21, 2016 – The ups and downs of frybread
Frybread is so ubiquitous it’s become a symbol of Native cuisine. But there’s another way of looking at it: frybread ingredients come not from tradition, but from the reservation rations and commodity goods provided by the federal government. And the high fat count and low nutrient content makes frybread a factor in obesity and high rates of diabetes in our Native communities. What do you think about frybread?
By NV1
By NV1
By NV1
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Let’s start with the big picture. Donald Trump’s recorded revelation of felony intent — and yes, it’s that serious — ought to disqualify him from the presidency. This is Trahant Reports.
During a debate Sunday night, Trump apologized. Deflected and at one point tried to pivot and make the conversation about ISIS. Of course the problem is, there is no excuse for Trump’s recorded words. He was off camera at the time and it was more than ten years ago. But let’s be clear, we are not talking about lewd behavior, consensual relationships, or being boorish. Trump said he can engage in criminal behavior. “When you’re a star, they let you do it,” he said. “You can do anything.”
So in the days that followed, we’ve seen dozens of elected Republicans disinvite Trump from events (as is the case with Paul Ryan) and others reverse their endorsement (as happened in Utah, Arizona and New Hampshire) along with calls for Trump to drop out of the race. This is unprecedented and expected. We knew this was Donald J. Trump. This tape is only conformation.
Denise Juneau, who’s running for Montana’s only House seat, called on her opponent Rep. Ryan Zinke to withdraw his endorsement of Trump. “Donald Trump has shown his complete disrespect for women since the beginning of his campaign, but that didn’t stop Congressman Zinke from backing him from day one,” Juneau said in a news release. Montana’s 500,000 mothers, daughters and sisters are watching.”
Watch how this discourse plays out in every congressional race in the country, including the five seats where Native Americans are on ballot.
Of course most politicians will try to talk about something else. North Dakota’s Kevin Cramer would prefer to talk about energy policy. Cramer said this week that the Paris Agreement on climate change is quote “unilaterally disarming the American economy at the behest of the world.” And that statement is exactly why he’s on the side of the Dakota Access Pipeline project and ready to roll over the sovereignty and legitimate concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux.
Even before the Trump tape surfaced, Cramer’s opponent Chase Iron Eyes raised some of these same issues. “Today in my debate with Kevin Cramer I said we are creating a 21st century North Dakota; a North Dakota where women can earn the same as men for the same work! Where women’s sovereignty over their own bodies must be respected,”
In Washington state, Democrat Joe Pakootas immediately denounced the Trump tape. “As a husband, father and grandparent I am appalled and sickened by the vulgar comments spoken by my opponent’s presidential candidate Donald Trump. Most Americans are outraged and disgusted by this sick behavior,” he said. Last night my opponent again expressed her unwavering support for Mr. Trump. He is not fit to be president & anyone who endorses a man like that does not deserve another term in the United States House of Representatives.”
That last sentence sums up the debate ahead.
Monday, October 10, 2016 – A day for Indigenous people?
Phoenix, Yakima, Wash., and San Diego are among the latest U.S. cities to declare the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples Day. Is there enough momentum to change the national holiday named for the man who Native Americans credit with ushering in occupation by Europeans?
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 — Free speech to keep an offensive team name
The Washington NFL team lost the latest round in their claim for federal trademark protection for their team name. The U.S. Supreme Court turned down the appeal challenging the law against copyrighting disparaging names. The team’s lawyers say the law violates their First Amendment rights. Is this the beginning of the end for the controversial mascot?
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 – Community Spirit Awards
This year’s Community Spirit honorees are recognized for their basket art, music, weaving, helping their community cope with loss and honoring those who died. We’ll hear from some of the award winners about why their Native culture is important to them. Are you inspired by someone in your Native community?
Thursday, October 13, 2016 – What’s your major?
From “bakery science” to “Egyptology,” colleges and universities offer an increasing variety of areas to focus study. But does your college major really matter? Some degrees certainly offer a leg up in the working world. What goes into picking a college major? Are you afraid of choosing the wrong one? We get guidance from the experts.
Friday, October 14, 2016 – October Book of the Month: “Wisdom Keeper” by Ilarion Merculieff
This month we feature Ilarion Merculieff’s new book “Wisdom Keeper: One Man’s Journey to Honor the Untold History of the Unangan People.” It’s part memoir and part history book. The author offers his insight to help tribal nations and readers face the changing world—including the transformation of the planet through climate change. The work is also a tribute to the many Native knowledge-holders that have shared their stories and culture with the author. We invite you to turn through the pages with us as we visit with Unangan author Ilarion Merculieff.