Native Voice 1 officially launches its programming

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

Left to right, Burt Poley, Sue Schott, Susan Braine and Dr. Clayton Small attend the launch celebration of Native Voice 1. The launch took place at the Albuquerque Indian Pueblo Cultural Center last week. Its plan is to focus on native and community events. [Courtesy Photo]

ALBUQUERQUE — Native Voice 1 officially launched the latest in Native American programing recently. Radio personalities from Gallup to Alamo attended the launch celebration held at the Albuquerque Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Oct. 4.

"Native Voice 1 is the great American radio service, being the voice of all Natives," said Camille Lacapa, NV1's station manager and a longtime fixture at Ojibway's WOJB radio station in Wisconsin.

The 19 New Mexico Pueblos that operate the Indian Cultural Center offered part of their facility to house NV1, said Dr. Clayton Small, director of wellness and health for the Northern Cheyenne.

Small offered a blessing to begin the ceremony, which took place in the center's courtyard.

"Look at each other in a non-snagging way and say hello," Small said to a round of chuckles.

The brain behind the operation is Susan Braine. Strong native women have always been revered in Indian Country, Small said.

"Native women bring us art, they bring life into the world," he said.

Small sang a traditional journey song to bless the trip.

"There will be bumps in the road, but we can go on," he said.

Today was a proud day for the cultural center, said Ron Solimon, the center's chief executive officer. Men often think they accomplish things on their own, but few realize the pivotal role that women especially native women play in making accomplishments happen, Solimon said.

The center, now in its 30th year, often welcomes "native brothers and sisters from other tribes," Solimon said. Center officials believe in the voice of Indian people; so making room for NV1 was never a question, he added.

"It just seemed right," Solimon said. "The center is owned by the 19 Pueblos, but it feels like home to many Indians."

"We welcome you with a nice big hug," Solimon said to NV1 staff. "And may you be here for many years."

Braine is an enrolled member of the Assiniboine of Fort Peck and the Hunkpapa Sioux of Standing Rock. Her Lakota name is Good Voice Woman. A grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting helped Native Voice to get up and running, Braine said.

NV1 had a "soft launch" in July, with a target date of Oct. 1 for its official launch, she said.

"We did it, but it's been crazy," Braine said.

NV1 hopes to act as a distribution center for other native radio stations there are 33 in the U.S. and to also produce some original programs, Braine explained. It plans to focus heavily on native news and community events, she added.

"It's geared toward native people who don't live on the reservation. It's a way for them to listen and keep in touch," Braine said.

Among the NV1 offerings are "Native America Calling," "Wisdom of our Elders," "Undercurrents" and "Earthsong."

Gallup DJs Lester Kien and Strider Brown were also in attendance to show support for the new venture. Kien hosts "Kien Beat" on KGLP on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Brown is the host of "Deertracks," airing Mondays 1-3 p.m.and Wednesdays 11 p.m. to midnight.

The Web site is www.NV1.org, said network manager Burt Poley.

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.