The Nome Static

“Language is larger than just the language itself — its culture, its connectedness to community and its willingness to also be part of that community,” Ukallaysaaq Okleasik with Northwest Planning said.

With a local and cultural context, Megan Onders of Nome sparked conversation about the ocean ecosystem, concerns and subsistence over the airwaves. Onders, who works at the Alaska Ocean Observing System, invites guests to share their expertise during the weekly Ocean Knowledge program. The show aims to provide inspiration and tools for people to become more engaged in ocean stewardship.

During times of change or difficulty, it is important to speak up, listen, and participate in building a strong community. In Scripture we read the story of Esther. She was called upon by God to speak and act on behalf of her people at a critical time. Because of her courage, God’s people survived. Alaskans…

In the Lower 48 states, food costs have increased by an average of 12-13% in the last year. In Nome, they have increased by 27%. A small watermelon, which has always been a particularly fancy dish in Bush Alaska, costs about $55 at the local grocery store in Nome.

This is the 700th consecutive issue of ‘The Nome Static’. It is a milestone. It marks more than 59 years of mission radio work in Western Alaska. The newsletter first began, hand-cranked on a mimeograph, as a way to update friends on progress toward building and sustaining Catholic radio in a remote corner of Alaska.…

Richard Atuk and Debbie Atuk, father and daughter, are on a personal mission to revive Iñupiaq culture through language learning.

Thank you for walking alongside the mission. As we approach KNOM’s birthday on July 14, it’s a season to reflect on who we are, who we have been and who we are becoming. When we’re hiking through the wilderness, it’s important to check our gear. Is our backpack heavier than it needs to be? Do…

A landscape of Diomede, Alaska, in wintertime: a small airplane sits on a runway made of ice, with village houses nestled at the base of a steep hill in the background.

The village of Diomede, perched on a small rocky island, is one of the most remote communities in Western Alaska. This summer, the village leadership is taking drastic steps to help their community survive. Currently, leaders say their lack of essential services make Diomede living challenging. “We still have to haul our own water. We…