Native Voice One Podcast

A five-minute newscast focused on activity at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, anchored by Jill Fratis.

The 2025 theme for the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention is Standing Strong, Standing United. The theme is seen as members rejoin the AFN after leaving the statewide organization following disagreements. The theme is also seen as tribes and Native groups across the country continue to advocate for Native issues key to their communities, including threats to their subsistence way of life, and the loss of government resources.

A five-minute newscast focused on activity at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, anchored by Jill Fratis.

Storytelling is a rich tradition in Alaska Native culture, and radio stations often play a role in keeping that tradition alive. They also offer much more to the communities they serve, especially in rural Alaska. Radio stations provide emergency alerts, news and information, and cultural programs. Tribal and rural radio stations are now at risk of going dark after the elimination of federal funding.

A five-minute newscast focused on activity at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, anchored by Jill Fratis.

Antonia Gonzales from National Native News, producer Emily Schwing, Jill Fratis from our flagship station KNBA, and the Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden bring us all the action from the 2025 Native Youth Olympic (NYO) Games. This program provides up-close interviews and discussions with NYO participants, leaders, and culture bearers.

This first of three episodes introduces the NYO Games in Anchorage, highlighting the vibrant energy, unique spirit of fair play where athletes coach competitors, and the deep connection to Alaska Native culture, tradition, and community spirit.

This second of three episodes focuses on the pivotal role of Indigenous women in the Native Youth Olympics, their contributions as athletes, officials, and cultural bearers, the strength of matriarchal traditions, and the supportive "Big Auntie energy" pervading the games.

This final of three episodes shares athlete achievements and record-breaking moments, while coaches and community leaders reflect on the games' profound impact on youth engagement, academic success, cultural pride, and the promotion of healthy, positive lifestyles.

Climate change has sparked a move toward renewable energy, like nuclear power. But some Indigenous communities in the West are dealing with a troubling nuclear legacy – cancers caused by atomic testing and uranium mining. They want Congress to revive a law that provided money for screening and medical care.

In the Navajo Nation, some families are dealing with the challenges of living without electricity. Now, a mutual aid program is connecting some of them to the grid for the first time. But it’s an effort that relies on volunteer workers and funding … and getting enough of each is a challenge, as Mountain West News Bureau’s Kaleb Roedel reports in the second installment of this two-part story.