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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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 week on Sounding Board (Thursday, April 4 at 10am), we’re talking about libraries, literacy, and learning.

• What is the role of libraries in our communities?
• How can libraries evolve with the advent of e-books?
• What programs have you attended at libraries?
• How do you use your local library?
• What do you think a library should do differently?
• When did you first learn to read?
• How has reading changed your life?
• Where do you learn new things after schooling ends?
• Do you read with your family members?
• Have you written a book? How do libraries affect you as a writer?

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This week on Sounding Board (Thursday, March 28 at 10am), we’re talking about preserving Native song and dance.

• How have Native songs and dances been passed down to you?
• What can music and dance teach us about the past?  How will we carry this with us into the future?
• How can music native to Alaska be preserved for future generations to enjoy?
• What is the importance of handing down your legacy through the medium of song and dance?

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A NASA image shows routes of the Northwest Passage, including routes adjacent to Alaska’s western and northern shores. Marine vessel traffic is expected to become increasingly active in these regions in the coming decades.

This Thursday on Sounding Board (March 21, 2013 at 10am), we’re talking about the future of goods being shipped through the Arctic Ocean.

Scientists predict that open-water vessels could be traveling the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage by 2040; this means more traffic passing along the Western Alaska coast.

• How do you think this traffic will impact your community?
• Do you see any benefits to the opening of the Arctic Ocean for you or for the region?
• How do you think an increase in vessels will impact subsistence lifestyles?
• Are there any advantages or disadvantages for the environment with more vessels passing through?
• What recommendations do you have for legislators or shipping companies as they prepare to set up vessel traffic regulations?

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