KNOM Radio

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Vi Waghiyi, an environmental justice advocate, mother, and grandmother who grew up in Savoonga, has been appointed to a federal advisory council on environmental justice. “It is an honor, not only as a Sivuqaq Yupik grandmother and Native Village of Savoonga tribal citizen, but as an Arctic Indigenous person who has been working on environmental…

Woman wearing a bright reflective jacket and face covering standing outside COVID tent

After a year of severe travel restrictions that required mandatory testing and quarantines, the new ordinances are a relief to many in the region, particularly those in the villages. Due to the increased risk of catching COVID-19 in places without sanitation or running water, communities in the region were among the first in the nation…

The 2021 Iditarod was a great race for Nome musher Aaron Burmeister, setting a personal record in his 27th race. Burmeister finished second, just three hours behind winner Dallas Seavey. This year, he said, the race was very different. “You know it’s a different event when you’re not going to Nome… It was certainly a…

Two different US Coast Guard ice breakers will venture past Western Alaska this year, in what locals and researchers are calling a strategic message to assert American sovereignty to the nation’s adversaries. First, the vessel Polar Star spent 12 weeks above the Arctic Circle, breaking a 40-year wintertime absence. Then, the Coast Guard announced the…

Some newcomers are surprised to learn how important good humor is to Western Alaska, a region known for a pragmatic view of life. For the Indigenous people groups in Western Alaska, humor is a significant cultural value. The ability to make a good joke can diffuse a tough situation. Good humor gives strength to stay…

A syringe with the needle inside a vaccine bottle

Norton Sound Health Corporation is pausing its use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as a precautionary measure due to an extremely rare side effect of blood clotting that has occurred in a small number of patients nationwide.

Woman in white vest stands next to Alaska Native painting and shelves of vinyl records.

Savoonga’s Viola “Vi” Waghiyi is one of the 26 members chosen by President Biden and Vice-President Harris for the new White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

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Speaking about something that is difficult to share and being taken seriously by others is deeply healing. Sharing teaches us we are not alone. When KNOM’s reporters – often new to Western Alaska – request an interview, it requires courage and trust to say yes. That is especially true when sharing personal stories dear to…