Stories

Tanóok Taylor Neal, known as astrodamus, is carving out a lane that fuses Afro-punk, grunge revival, and themes of transformative justice. Based between Alaska and Oklahoma, Neal’s work spans multiple states, stages, and mediums, grounded by her Afro-Lingít heritage and sharpened by her academic and activist journey. With recent releases including Ground Control (2024), Diving Board to Memories (2025), and … Read More astrodamus: Grunge, Justice, and the Weight of Sound

As Anchorage School District preschoolers and kindergarteners step into classrooms for their first time today, the Anchorage School District’s Indigenous Education Program is making sure students begin the year feeling connected, supported and proud of who they are. With a mission rooted in cultural identity, academic success, and community partnerships, the program offers Indigenous students … Read More First Day, Strong Voices: How ASD’s Indigenous Education Program Uplifts Students Through Culture and Community

The 2025 Arctic Encounter Symposium (AES) wrapped up another groundbreaking year of dialogue and collaboration, gathering policymakers, Indigenous leaders, scholars, and youth change makers from across the circumpolar North. Held in Anchorage, Alaska, the summit served as a vital platform for addressing the pressing challenges, and remarkable opportunities, facing the Arctic in a time of … Read More Rising Voices, Shaping Futures: 2025 Arctic Encounter Symposium Spotlights Indigenous Leadership and Youth Vision

What began as a childhood spark in a youth media camp has come full circle for an Indigenous filmmaker now launching a new youth documentary film project in partnership with the Alaska Teen Media Institute and Vision Maker Media. Rooted in a passion for artistic storytelling and shaped by early exposure to music, writing, and … Read More A New Generation of Native Storytellers Emerges Through Youth Documentary Film Project

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 … Read More Air Jazz Talks ‘Uncle Tomahawk,’ Mental Warfare, and the Sound of Alaska

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 … Read More Walking for Justice: UAA Community Honors MMIP on Red Dress Day with Healing, Storytelling, and Solidarity

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 … Read More Caroline Wiseman on Championing Culture and Community Through NYO and Mukluks on the Ground

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. … Read More NYO 2025

Indigenous students at the University of Alaska Anchorage are rallying to save Native Student Services (NSS), a long-standing hub for cultural, academic, and emotional support, amid mounting concerns that university leadership is quietly dismantling the program. Despite official claims of a mere reorganization, students allege NSS has been systemically defunded, stripped of staff, and undermined … Read More UAA’s Native Student Services Faces Dismantling: Students Warn Loss Will Sever Critical Lifeline for Indigenous Support

Catch all the action live on the RIVR as the 2025 March Madness 2A Girls & Boys Championship games take over Anchorage! Listen as the top teams from across the state battle for the title, with expert commentary, in-depth game analysis, and exclusive interviews bringing you closer to the court. The excitement tips off on … Read More March Madness 2025 Broadcast