Juneau-based hip-hop artist Air Jazz—short for Arias Jazzer—released his bold new EP Uncle Tomahawk on May 2, delivering a raw and cinematic project that blends airy jazz elements with aggressive, warrior-style beats. Inspired by Alaska’s vast landscapes and deep-rooted struggles, the album introduces a controversial anti-hero who targets abusers, traffickers, and corrupt systems with unapologetic force. Featuring collaborations with Killah Priest and Juneau producer CandyFailure, Uncle Tomahawk pushes Air Jazz’s sound into darker, more confrontational territory—challenging listeners to reckon with pain, justice, and the complexities of healing.

Where did the name Air Jazz come from, and how does it reflect your musical identity?

It’s actually an abbreviated form of my first and middle name—Arias Jazzer. But it also captures the essence of my sound: airy, jazzy hip-hop. I lean into spacious, atmospheric textures that let each element breathe, while still rooted in rhythm and soul.

Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and how your environment shaped your sound?

I’m from Juneau, Alaska. It’s a place of glaciers, mountains, fjords, and the Tongass rainforest—it’s a marvelous landscape. That wide open, sometimes hauntingly quiet environment had a big impact on me. It made me gravitate toward vast, expansive musical soundscapes. My sound is definitely grounded in that sense of space and solitude.

We hear you have a new project on the horizon—what can you tell us about it?

Yeah, I just dropped a new EP called Uncle Tomahawk on May 2. It’s a short album built around this character I created—Uncle Tomahawk. He’s kind of an anti-hero for the Native and BIPOC community. He goes after people responsible for the harm plaguing our country—abuse, trafficking, exploitation, all of it. He’s flawed, even infected by mental illness himself, but he’s dead set on bringing justice, even if that means becoming a villain in the eyes of some.

How would you describe the sonic direction of this album compared to your past work?

This is a new direction for me. My last work, Manga Maniac, had a moodier, comic book-style sound. With Uncle Tomahawk, the production’s heavier—more horror elements, more aggressive percussion and samples. It reflects Uncle Tomahawk’s emotions—rage, grief, intensity. It’s still jazzy in moments, but way more combative.

Any collaborators or producers we should be excited about?

Definitely. I’ve got Killah Priest featured on the title track—his energy just brought the concept to another level. And one of the songs was co-produced by fellow Juneau artist CandyFailure, who’s doing amazing things out here.

What are you hoping fans take away from this next chapter of your sound?

I hope people understand that this project is a reflection of the pain and chaos in our communities—but also a call to action. I know my approach, and my words, won’t land with everyone. Some might even see me as the villain. But my goal is to expose hard truths, including my own mental struggles. Our people shouldn’t tolerate any kind of abuse or exploitation, and they don’t need to wait on someone like me to take a stand. They already have the power. Gunalchéesh.

In recognition of Red Dress Day and the ongoing MMIP crisis, we spoke with organizers from the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Walk for MMIP to learn more about the event, its purpose, and the deeper meaning behind it. In the following Q&A, they share reflections on community healing, the importance of visibility, and how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can stand in solidarity in the fight for justice.

UAA hosted a Walk for MMIP on May 1 as part of Red Dress Day awareness. Can you tell us more about the event, its purpose, and what you hope participants will take away from being part of it?

We came together as a community to attempt to heal and draw awareness to MMIP.  Michael Livingston, an avid MMIP activist, was our speaker. He shared a poignant story about his experience as a police officer and the history of Benny Benson, the true Alaskan flag creator.  Antonia Commack, an MMIP activist, brought her posters showing many Alaskan MMIPs.  The purpose of the walk was to be seen – show our community we are here and need the recognition and support of the entire community to create the systemic change needed to battle this crisis. Many families brought their posters of family members. We also hosted 2 dance groups, Ingrimiut Yurartet—People of the Mountains and Anchichx kwaan. The dancing helps us call our ancestors to be with us and helps those hurting from this crisis some healing.

Why is it important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to recognize and participate in Red Dress Day and events like the Walk for MMIP?

Because MMIP is not just an Indigenous crisis, it’s a community crisis – the entire community needs to be involved for there to be no more stolen Indigenous People.  

How does misclassification or underreporting of MMIP cases affect justice and healing efforts for families and communities?  

Misclassifications and underreporting are ways that law enforcement and media systems make Indigenous People invisible.  If a murder is misclassified as a suicide, that family will never be able to seek justice. That family won’t be able to heal from that injustice. This leads to generational trauma that gets handed down to our children/future ancestors and their children.  These waves of pain keep rippling into tidal waves for all of our communities.

Can you speak to the role of education, advocacy, and institutions like UAA in supporting Indigenous-led efforts to address MMIP?

It’s vital that UAA honors and acknowledges the Alaska Native it resides on.  One way to do that at UAA is that faculty and staff use all of our abilities, whether educational, advocacy, or institutional, to elevate Indigenous-led efforts.

What does solidarity look like to you in the fight for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people?

It means showing up for community events, spreading the word about injustices, and demanding lawmakers and our state and federal representatives fight for visibility and justice.  Also elevate our community members, like Michael Livingston and Antonia Commack who do this hard work day in and day out because this work is very personal. Stand by them whenever they can because they need our support when they need rest and healing.

For those who may be newly learning about MMIP/MMIWG2S, what’s one thing you hope they take away from participating in events like this?

They can help support this crisis by learning more information, hearing the stories, and then elevating those stories.

From cheering on friends in middle school to becoming a beloved emcee at the Native Youth Olympics, Caroline Wiseman’s journey reflects a deep and growing commitment to cultural connection and community empowerment. What began as a volunteer opportunity at the Traditional Games in 2022 quickly turned into a passion for uplifting Indigenous youth and honoring tradition. Through her roles with NYO and Mukluks on the Ground, Caroline is not only preserving Native games and lifeways but also inspiring the next generation to step into their power, embrace their heritage, and find their place within community.

How did you first get involved with the Native Youth Olympics, and what does it mean to you to now serve as an emcee?

I’ve been around the games on and off since middle school—many of my friends participated, and I loved supporting from the sidelines. But I truly got involved when I volunteered at the Traditional Games in Juneau in 2022. My best friend invited me to come, and I worked as a scorekeeper. I immediately fell in love with it. Watching the athletes beat their personal records, make new friends, and support one another—it’s such a powerful experience. I love being part of it as an official and being immersed in the NYO community. I was honored to be asked to emcee and happy I could help create an environment that celebrates our athletes and honors the spirit of the games.

Can you share a favorite memory from hosting NYO this past weekend?

As a former Junior NYO coach, one of the most amazing moments was seeing how much some of the athletes have grown. I was watching one young man compete, and I remembered when he was just starting out. Watching him work so hard and demonstrate true sportsmanship made me feel so proud. It’s incredible to witness that kind of dedication and growth firsthand.

You’re also involved with Mukluks on the Ground. What inspired you to join, and how has that shaped your cultural journey?

Mukluks on the Ground (MOTG) feels like a holistic approach to cultural preservation. It’s given me opportunities to learn more about my culture and way of life. Since getting involved, I’ve learned how to process fish alongside youth and community members. We’ve worked to provide fish for our elders and neighbors, and that work has really accelerated my own cultural journey. I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring team. MOTG also helped me better understand the cultural roots of the games we celebrate through NYO.

How do programs like NYO and MOTG empower youth and strengthen cultural connections?

The biggest impact is community. Both NYO and MOTG help build strong connections between people. They create safe spaces where youth can explore their identities, learn without fear of failure, and find confidence in who they are. In any community, everyone has a role to play, and these programs help youth discover what that role might be. They’re truly pillars of empowerment.

What advice would you give to young people looking to get involved in their communities or reconnect with their heritage?

Just do it. If you feel called to learn or be involved, don’t wait. Take the opportunity and absorb all you can. We each have a responsibility to learn from our elders and knowledge holders. Volunteer, get in those rooms, and be a sponge. You’ll grow so much just by showing up.

What’s something you wish more people knew about NYO or MOTG?

I hope our athletes know that their involvement in the games doesn’t have to stop after high school. NYO is intergenerational—it’s for everyone. And organizations like MOTG can open doors for you to learn more about who you are and where you come from. These experiences are more than events; they’re pathways to deeper connection.

Tune in to the RIVR this week as we bring you the energy from the 2025 Native Youth Olympics! The RIVR will have special news coverage Thursday through Saturday that includes daily recaps and social media commentary. Join us for Alaska’s Native Voice and hear from athletes, coaches and more voices from the NYO games.

Day 001:

The 2025 Senior Native Youth Olympics kicked off today, April 24, at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage with a powerful mix of competition and culture. Here’s a recap of Day 1:

The Toe Kick event made its long-awaited return after a decade-long hiatus. Athletes showed off their agility and precision with impressive results:

• Girls’ Gold: Abigal Semaken, Salamatof, 62″ 1m/60
• Boys’ Gold: Rafael Hernandez, Unalaska, 80″, 2m

Next came the Wrist Carry, a true test of strength, endurance, and mental resilience. In this event, athletes are carried across the floor suspended by just one wrist.

• Girls’ Gold: Eulalia Roman from Mat-Su with 322 feet, 6.5 inches
• Boys’ Gold: Decklan Nettleton, Unalaska, 444′ 7″

The day wrapped up with the Alaskan High Kick, where athletes kicked high for new heights.

• The Girls’ Gold went to Caelyn Carter of Mat-Su, who soared to 74 inches
• In the Boys’ Gold event, Matthew Chagluak of thrilled the crowd by connecting at 92 inches—just one inch shy of the all-time record. Officials raised the mark to 93 inches, but he came up just short.

The Native Youth Olympics continues Friday with four exciting events: the Scissor Broad Jump (which saw a record broken last year), along with the Eskimo Stick Pull, One-Hand Reach and Two-Foot High Kick.

Day 002:

The 2025 Senior Native Youth Olympics continued today, April 25, at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, bringing even more energy, resilience, and cultural pride. Here’s a recap of Day 2:

The competition began with the Scissor Broad Jump, where athletes leapt for distance with a powerful combination of balance, coordination, and strength:

• Girls’ Gold: CC Carter, Mat-Su A, 28′ 9″
• Boys’ Gold: Kolby Clark-Pruitt, Mt. Edgecumbe (MEHS), 37′ 7 1/4″

Next came the Inuit/Eskimo Stick Pull, a traditional test of grip strength and strategy. Athletes dug in with fierce focus and determination:

• Girls’ Gold: Qmia Ta’ala, Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA)
• Boys’ Gold: Donovan Stephan-Standifer, Mt. Edgecumbe (MEHS)

The day continued with two of the most thrilling events—the One-Hand Reach and the Two-Foot High Kick—where athletes showcased incredible vertical skill, balance, and explosive power.

In the One-Hand Reach:

• Girls’ Gold: Chloe Wassillie, Lower Kuskokwim (LKSD), 60″ (1 miss)
• Boys’ Gold: Anatoly Fomin, Unalaska, 70″ (2 misses) — New State NYO Record

The day wrapped up with the Two-Foot High Kick:

• Girls’ Gold: Daisy Vanblarcom, Mat-Su A, 78″ (4 misses)
• Boys’ Gold: Quentin O’Domin, Anchorage A, 98″ (1 miss)

The Senior Native Youth Olympics concludes Saturday with six more events, including the Seal Hop, Indian Stick Pull, and the highly anticipated Kneel Jump finals.

Day 003:

The final day of the 2025 Senior Native Youth Olympics wrapped up today, April 26, at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, with incredible displays of athleticism, heart, and tradition. Here’s a recap of Day 3:

The competition kicked off with the Kneel Jump, a true test of explosive power from a seated position:

• Girls’ Gold: Summer Walls, Sand Point, 51 1/4″
• Boys’ Gold: James Brink, Lower Kuskokwim (LKSD), 64 1/4″

Next came the Dene/Indian Stick Pull, a traditional game of strength, grip, and quick reflexes:

• Girls’ Gold: Ricki Reilly, Eyak
• Boys’ Gold: Jamie Mosquito, Port Graham (Paluwik Arllut)

The excitement continued with the One-Foot High Kick, where athletes aimed for new heights in balance and power:

• Girls’ Gold: Daisy Vanblarcom, Mat-Su A, 87″ (0 misses)
• Boys’ Gold: Quentin O’Domin, Anchorage A, 112″ (2 misses)

The day wrapped up with the endurance-driven Seal Hop, one of the most physically demanding events of NYO:

• Girls’ Gold: Alora Wassily, Dillingham, 107′ 1 1/2″
• Boys’ Gold: Anakin Wassillie, Lower Kuskokwim (LKSD), 123′ 1/2″

The 2025 Senior Native Youth Olympics have come to a close, leaving behind a legacy of determination, sportsmanship, and cultural pride that will inspire future generations.

A huge thank you to the coaches, volunteers, families, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council who made the 2025 Senior Native Youth Olympics possible. Your dedication continues to lift up future leaders and celebrate the strength of our cultures!