More money is needed for Native public radio

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

ALBUQUERQUE — The Koahnic Broadcast Corporation will present the first National Native Art Auction at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 19 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

“Our goal for the auction is to raise $36,000,” according to Camille Lacapa, Native Voice One Station and audience relations manager.

Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, a nonprofit, Alaska Native governed and operated media center located in Anchorage, Alaska, pursues its mission through the production of National Native News, Native America Calling, Earthsongs, Stories of Our People and Native Word of the Day. The KBC national programming is broadcast by public and tribal radio stations across the country. KBC also operates KNBA 90.3 FM, the first Native radio station located in an urban market.

KBC-affiliated Native Voice One educates, advocates and celebrates Native American life and culture by providing a program service from a Native point of view. This service is for everyone interested in Native American news, culture, music, events and life.

NV1 enables Native people, especially those who do not have access to the many reservation and village-based Native-owned and operated radio stations, to stay connected. Many Native radio stations and independent radio producers contribute Native-oriented program to NV1 for inclusion in the NV1 program service.

NV1 broadcasts the Native voice through affiliate Native and other radio stations via Internet radio on http://www.nv1.org.

Donations and items for auction are still being accepted, Lacapa said.

“Your support ensures our ability to continue to bring strong Native voices to the nation,” Lacapa added.

The event — to be hosted by Harlan McKosato (Sac and Fox) and Drew Lacapa (White Mountain Apache/Hopi-Tewa) — will include a live auction featuring native art created by traditional Native American and Alaskan native artists, and silent auction featuring native and non-native merchandise and services donated by businesses.

The Nunamta Yup’ik Alaska Native Dancers will provide live entertainment.

There will be a special Web site for live auction donors that will showcase the art and include the contact information of the artists and donors.

Anyone interested in making a donation, of money or an item to be auctioned, can contact Lacapa at (505) 277-5693 , or by e-mail at clacapa@nativeamericacalling.com

Area public and tribal radio stations who broadcast KBC programs are KGLP 91.7 FM, Gallup; KSHI 90.9 FM; Zuni, N.M.; KUYI 88.1 FM, Keams Canyon, Ariz. and KGHR 91.5 FM, Tuba City, Ariz.

All proceeds will benefit Koahnic’s national programming.
“Koahnic” is an Athabascan word in the Ahtna dialect meaning “live air”. The mission of KBC is to be the leader in bringing Native voices to Alaska and the nation.