Guest opinion blog piece by Ryan TollefsenRenewable energy sources like solar and wind energy have experienced some incredible advances in the past several years. The aforementioned has resulted in both lower overall costs for solar and wind power as well as more efficient use of the power provided by these green technologies. An increasing amount of people can benefit from …
A rattled but inspiring 20 year reunion for AYEA
Dear AYEA family, On Friday morning we were on the 4th floor at KNBA’s recording studio, live on the radio sharing our excitement for that evening’s event, our Grassroots Gala: AYEA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. Lisa, our Dutch Harbor Youth Organizer, and Kengo, a Fairbanks alum, were sharing their excitement for the reunion when the ground beneath us started to buck. We …
Youth, Democracy and CAKE!
This Election Day, The Alaska Center Education Fund partnered with campus organizations to host a celebration that encouraged young voters to vote at the Student Union polling place. The event was created for students to celebrate voting together- and thanks to our partners, we were able to throw quite a party!! Throughout the afternoon, students waited in line upstairs for …
The Terrifying Tales Against Yes for Salmon
Each summer while gillnetting sockeye one inevitably catches a few fish that have been dead for a number of days – they are called Ghost Fish in the colloquialism of the back deck – and you can usually smell them before they come over the roller. The smell of a ghost fish can put one over the edge if they …
We’re Almost There!
I was driving my 7-year-old daughter to school, and as we passed one of many Yes for Salmon yard signs, she asked me, “Momma, how will you feel if salmon wins in November?” Her bright and earnest question made me pause and reflect. SO MUCH IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW. Our environment, cultures, health, reproductive rights, education–everything we love and …
With early voting starting Monday, local groups seek to increase voter turnout numbers
ANCHORAGE (KTUU)- For Alaskans wanting to avoid polling locations for the statewide general election on Nov. 6, early voting kicks off on Monday, Oct. 22. On the ballot are the governor and lieutenant governor positions, legislative seats, a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a ballot measure about salmon habitat. Evan Anderson, Civic Engagement Coordinator for The Alaska Center Education …
Rally in Defense of Alaska Native Women, Children, and the Lands and Waters That Sustain Alaska Native Communities
… United under the banner of “Defending the Sacred” Alaskan groups from across the state have joined together to rally on the opening day of the 2018 Alaska Federation of Natives convention. The message is a call to action for an end to the violence against women and children and an end to the degradation of Alaskan lands & waters. …
Ballot Measure 1 campaigns argue pros, cons on KTVA’s Daybreak
Polly Carr, executive director of the Alaska Center, appeared on KTVA’s Daybreak in support of the measure. Former Anchorage District Attorney Clint Campion appeared in opposition. Carr describes the initiative as a proactive measure aimed at getting ahead of large scale projects that could potentially harm fish habitat. “This initiative is in response to the growing projects in Alaska that …
Indigenous Peoples Day & The Urgency of Voting
By Kendra Kloster & Polly Carr Art by Sarah Whalen-Lunn>> Indigenous Peoples Day was established to realize the importance of our identity as an Alaska Native place, and elevate Indigenous ways of life. Right now, we must also elevate the continued and increasing threats posed to Indigenous people, people of color, and women across our state and country. It’s time …