Joaqlin Estus, KNBA - Anchorage
Joaqlin Estus is a reporter at KNBA in Anchorage.
Voice of ‘Pocahontas’ Launching Film Production Company In Anchorage
Inupiaq Yup’ik actress Irene Bedard, best known as the voice of Pocahontas in Disney’s animated classics series, is returning to Anchorage, where she grew up, and launching a film production company.
Conference Tackles Arctic Issues
Melting sea ice in the Arctic is opening the door to increased maritime traffic, which brings with it risk, opportunity and the need for safe harbors and services such as search and rescue. Those are a few of the issues participants are tackling at a conference hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Institute of the North in Anchorage.
Long-Time Rural Supporter, Advocate Al Adams Passes Away
Former state Senator Al Adams Senior passed away this morning in Anchorage after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Adams was known for his tireless support and advocacy for rural and Alaska Native issues.
FCC Officials Visit Rural Alaska
The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, Office of Native Affairs and Policy is visiting remote villages, hub communities, as well as Anchorage and Fairbanks to learn about the obstacles Alaska Natives face in accessing the Internet. The visiting officials also held a training session Friday in Anchorage.
Subsistence Board Criticized For Not Giving RAC Recommendations Enough Weight
Regional Advisory Councils, or RACs, have criticized the Federal Subsistence Board for not giving their recommendations enough weight. At their meeting Wednesday, board members worked to give due deference to the input of one RAC.
Many Rural Villages Getting Broadband Access
Dozens of rural villages are getting broadband Internet access for the first time, opening the door to new economic, employment, tele-health, and educational opportunities, and creating demand for technicians to service the computers, servers, and other equipment needed to maintain high speed connections.
Conference Attendees Defend Small Business Administration Program
Conference attendees in Anchorage last week defended a controversial Small Business Administration program. About 280 people attended a National 8(a) Association conference in Anchorage to learn more about the program that helps small businesses compete for federal contracts, but has come under increasing Congressional scrutiny in recent years.
Biologists Trying New Ways To Eliminate Southcentral Pike
Northern pike are native to other parts of the state, but not Southcentral Alaska. Biologists are experimenting with new tactics to wipe out northern pike that have been introduced to waterways in the area since the 1950s. They’re also working to educate the public on why it’s important not to illegally stock waterways with pike.
Airline Planning Direct Flights Between Russia, Anchorage
Soon, Alaskan travelers won’t have to fly nearly around the world to get to the other side of the Bering Strait. A Russian airline company is planning to launch direct flights between Anchorage and the Russian Far East for the summer season.
Rural Students Say Traditional Culture, Mentorships Help Curb Suicide
Rural Alaska Native college students say traditional culture and mentorships protect against suicide.
Debate Over Consultation With ANCSA Corporations Continues
The debate over federal consultation with corporations created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and tribes continued today at a meeting of the Federal Subsistence Board. The Chairman said the policy on consultation with ANCSA corporations is based on an addition to a 2005 appropriations bill, so the board has to follow the law.
Native Youth Olympics Start Friday
The 2012 Native Youth Olympics, or NYO Games, start Friday and continue over the weekend at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage. Parents, teachers, and coaches will help some 600 Alaska students, grades 7-12, compete in activities such as the high kick, seal hop, and wrist carry.
Legislators Extend Film Tax Incentive Program
At the end of the regular session, legislators adopted a bill to extend a film tax credit incentive program for ten years. It will be funded at $200 million over 10 years starting in 2013. It adds to incentives created in 2008 so film companies will be able to get a base 30 percent tax credit for expenditures in Alaska, with additional credits for local hire, films made in rural Alaska, and during the off season.
Legislation Requires Insurance To Cover Medically Necessary Autism Treatment
Legislators have passed a bill to require insurance companies to cover medically necessary treatment of autism, a disorder that affects sensory perceptions and the ability to communicate and interact with others.
House Finance Subcommittee Chair Mia Costello Holding Up Senate Bill to Continue Film Tax Credits
A program using tax credits to encourage film and television producers working in Alaska will get another hearing today. Representative Mia Costello of Anchorage chairs the Finance subcommittee reviewing Senate Bill 23, the film subsidy tax credit act that sunsets next year. In her mind, there is still a lot to resolve before moving the bill. Read More
Alaska Senators Highlight Chronic Underfunding at IHS Health Clinics
Alaska U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich recently wrote to Indian Health Service Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux asking why the agency isn't meeting its obligation to pay the full costs of running health...
SE Natives Getting More Active In Fisheries Managment
A clan conference held last week in Sitka showed Southeast Natives stepping up their participation with both federal and state agencies in fisheries management.
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Alaska Native Leaders Address FASD
Alaska Native leaders from across Alaska were in Anchorage last week for a conference to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. They heard from birth mothers, young adults affected with FASD, and a number of people working to end the nation’s leading preventable birth defect.
Alaska Native Leader Niles Cesar Passes Away
A leader in moving tribes to greater self-determination died over the weekend. A Tlingit Indian from Juneau, Niles Cesar served twenty years in the Medical Service Corps, including a year in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant then completed a B.S. degree in environmental health.
Deep Snow Could Mean Trouble For Moose Populations
This winter's deep snow is likely to mean fewer moose in a part of the state where moose populations were already in trouble.