A big congratulations to KNBA 90.3 FM and “Native America Calling” for receiving a National Humanities Medal! The medal, inaugurated in 1997, “honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects,” according to the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Through its interactive shows on the radio and online, “Native America Calling” educates the American public about Indigenous issues while preserving Indigenous history and culture to honor their contributions that strengthen the sacred Nation-to-Nation relationship.
“‘Native America Calling’ was developed in 1995 by Native producers working together from Alaska, New Mexico and Nebraska to create a much-needed broadcast forum for Native public affairs,” Koahnic President and CEO Jaclyn Sallee (Inupiaq) said. “Over the last three decades, ‘Native America Calling,’ other Native-made programming and Native-operated radio stations have ensured that Native voices and viewpoints are part of our national conversations.”
President Joe Biden awarded the 2021 medals on March 21, 2023. The ceremony was among the backlog of White House events postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
