Nome Schools May Find Funds for Music and Librarian

Superintendent Shawn Arnold says the savings from retiring long-time teachers’ higher salaries could keep the music program off the chopping block. As for the librarian, he says: talk to your elected officials.

Story49: Back to Nome With an Open Heart

Sarah Hanson Hofstetter returned to Nome to share her music — and found a community to come home to.

Good Conduct(ing)

First-year volunteer Gabe Colombo took the lead organizing, rehearsing, and conducting the Nome Community Chorus in its annual Christmas concert last month. It’s the latest example of KNOM volunteers getting involved and giving back to their community.

Wales’ Song and Dance

Alaska Native music and dance festivals are powerfully moving events, KNOM volunteer reporter Gabe Colombo discovered in the community of Wales this year. “It was amazing to see,” he says.

Deejay Niviaaluk Brandt, in Her Own Words

“I am interested in sharing my (Inupiaq) culture and its approach of human respect for everyone and everything.” Meet KNOM community deejay Niviaaluk Brandt.

Trash to Treasure

KNOM stretches operating funds as much as possible, given the high cost of everything in rural Alaska. One example: the salvaged shelves KNOM uses to hold its record library.

Special Sounds in Our Studios

It’s a bittersweet moment, as we say farewell to volunteer community deejay Marjorie Tahbone, who, as the host of Alianait Radio, has lovingly shared the culture and language of her Alaska Native upbringing — as well as music inspired by that culture.

At Cama-i, Finding “Common Humanity” Through the Drum

Alaska Native drumming, dancing, and song represent a “common heartbeat” and a “common humanity” for the region KNOM serves. Thanks to you, we helped bring to our listeners a vibrant example of these cultural traditions at a very special event: the 2016 Cama-i Dance Festival.

Laura, Our Program Director

As KNOM’s new program director, Laura Collins is keeping alive a cornerstone of our daily mission: overseeing the many kinds of programming that entertain, inform, engage, and inspire our listeners.

In Teller, Alaska, a Singular Festival — and a Rite of Passage

Teller, Alaska, is a community close to Nome, and KNOM, in more ways than one. This year, our volunteers continued a cherished tradition of making the trek to Teller’s annual, spirited dancing festival.