​Gary Fife (Muscogee), “the Voice of Mvskoke”, spent more than a half century working to change the way the journalists cover Indigenous peoples – and was still hosting radio shows and writing a weekly column when he died Sunday at the age of 73. He was also the first host of National Native News. NNN and Native America Calling commemorate his long journalism career in this special report.

National Native News anchor Antonia Gonzales spoke with three participants in the Native America Season 2 screening event in New York City about how they are protecting Indigenous languages in their communities.

Award-winning journalist and longtime National Native News reporter María Martin has “passed over the rainbow bridge”, according to an email from Peggy Berryhill, General Manager of KGUA-FM, to friends and colleagues.

Alaska Native filmmaker and INDIGEFI host Alex Sallee and National Native News anchor Antonia Gonzales teamed up to cover the happenings this past weekend as thousands gather for Santa Fe Indian Market including the “To Keep Them Warm Parka” exhibit at the Museum of International Folk Art.

Listen back to Native America Calling’s live broadcast from the Santa Fe Indian Market featuring host Shawn Spruce and guests Dawn Houle (Chippewa Cree from Rocky Boy Montana), Mandolin Rain Song (Taos Pueblo), Jennifer Johns (Diné), and Jason Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo).

Members of the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) voted to change the name of the organization to the Indigenous Journalists Association Friday, August 11. Here is the press release issued shortly after the results were announced.

Frank Blythe’s many notable achievements include co-founding Native America Calling and American Indian Radio on Satellite (AIROS), the distribution system that eventually became Native Voice One. These two keystones of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation’s mission carry on Blythe’s determined vision for accurate and authentic representation of Native American voices to the public.

“Native media would not be nearly as far along if it weren’t for Frank’s far-sightedness and his ability to inspire so many others,” said Koahnic President and CEO Jaclyn Sallee.

Our thoughts go out to his family and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his rich life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

“Alaska Daily”, the TV series about #MMIP coverage by an Anchorage newspaper starring Hilary Swank, was cancelled by ABC this month. Rhonda McBride from our flagship station KNBA caught up with one of the show’s writers, Vera Starbard (Tlingit/Denaʼaina), in this special feature from National Native News.