This week on Sounding Board (Thursday, May 16 at 10am), we’re talking about the oil tax cut. The bill narrowly passed the legislature in April. Critics have begun collecting signatures for a referendum to repeal the controversial measure. Proponents say the tax cut will encourage production and boost Alaska’s economy. Opponents say it will devastate the state’s budget, giving away hundreds of millions of dollars each year without any commitments from oil companies.

• What do you think about the oil tax cut?
• Should Alaskans keep the oil tax overhaul, or repeal it?
• How do you think it will affect production?

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• How do you view the role of tribal healing within the world of Western medicine?
• Do you feel it’s important to maintain these practices in the modern day? Why or why not?
• What kinds of medical issues should a tribal doctor treat, and how can they work in your current medical plan?

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It’s going strong and healthy in some communities, banned and not welcome in others – our communities have different views.

• What do you think about Native dancing?
• Do you dance? And if so, what does it do for you?
• In what ways does it contribute to your life, to your identity, to your community?
• There are those who believe as the early missionaries did: that Native dancing should not take place. Why is this?

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All phone calls are confidential at (907) 443-3344.

You can also call the 24-hour Addiction Treatment Helpline at (888) 340-0184.

This post is a follow-up from Thursday’s Sounding Board (call-in show) on heroin in Western Alaska.

• What are the signs and effects of heroin use?
• How can an addicted person get help? Where do we go for help?
• What needs to be done in our community to get the drug off our streets?

Update: Thanks so much to all who took part in this Sounding Board discussion on heroin in Western Alaska. If someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, see these contact numbers for addiction support in our region.

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We all play a role in the social and emotional well being of children in our communities.

• How do you create a safe and positive environment for children?
• How do you establish trust and mutual respect with youth?
• Who do you turn to for parenting advice and support?
• What’s the healthiest way to communicate with children and teens?
• In what ways can you help children who are healing from abuse, neglect, or trauma?

Sounding Board is your show. Give us a call this Thursday at 10am and share your thoughts on peaceful parenting.

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Photo: jomilo75, Flickr [CC-BY-SA-3.0]

Tune in to hear the latest on the Unexpected Mortality Event. Start the conversation now.

• What is your greatest concern regarding the marine mammal disease?
• What do you think can be done on a local level to better monitor the situation?
• What questions do you have about the seal disease?
• Have you seen any seals with lesions lately? If so, where?

This week on Sounding Board (Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 10 am), we’re talking about inspirational teachers.

• Can you remember a teacher who believed in you?
• Did you ever have a coach who gave you a second chance?
• Who was an elder who motivated you to keep going when times got tough?
• What message would you give to a teacher who inspired you, if you could meet him or her today?

This Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 2:30 pm, we’re hosting a special call-in show on Arctic policy.

Four special guests will be in studio to answer your questions about Arctic planning and policy. Hear about what’s being done locally, state-wide and internationally on key issues: from sustaining fisheries to protecting subsistence lifestyles, from fostering smart oil and gas development to incorporating indigenous peoples’ needs and concerns into the policy-making process.

We will be joined by Mayor Denise Michels, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, Inuit Circumpolar Council President Jimmy Stotts and Institute of the North Director Nils Andreassen. Start the conversation now.

• What Arctic policy issues would you like the guests to address?
• Do you have specific concerns about climate change, increased shipping traffic, gas and oil development, or other major Arctic issues? What are your concerns?
• Do you have questions about what’s being done to protect the environment, subsistence lifestyles, or other entities potentially threatened by the changing Arctic? What are your questions?

This Friday on TouchStone (April 5, 2013 at 10 am), we’re talking about snowmachine trip safety and preparedness.

• How do you prepare for safe snowmachine travel between villages?
• What emergency gear do you bring with you?
• Do you have tips for staying safe?
• How do you discern the safety of the weather conditions before heading out on your snowmachine?

Tune in this Friday at 10am to hear safety and preparedness advice from search and rescue volunteers Jim West, Jr. and Paul Kosto.

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