Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Summary

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Podcast Summary

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Main Theme

This episode centers on the aftermath and community response to devastating storms in western Alaska, with in-depth reports on disaster recovery, policy reactions, and cultural events. Coverage spans urgent relief efforts, the role of statewide organizations, legislative ethics, technological changes in schools, policing initiatives, and vibrant Indigenous celebrations.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. Catastrophic Storm in Western Alaska

Massive Impact & Emergency Response

• The remnants of Typhoon Ha Long struck communities like Kipnuk and Quigillingoc, causing record-breaking storm surges and flooding nearly every home ([01:41]).
• At least one person dead, two missing, and over a thousand residents in makeshift mass shelters, mostly in local schools, many of which lack acceptable living conditions ([00:22], [00:48], [01:41]).
• Shelter conditions are dire:
  • Quigillingoc: 400 sheltered in a school without working toilets.
  • Kipnuk: 600 in a school with no water or steady power ([00:48]).
• Medical evacuations underway to Bethel; 60 people have been moved to the Bethel National Guard Armory ([01:41]).
• State, Tribal, and military authorities collaborating on logistics and relief ([02:23]).
• Longer-term housing outlook remains uncertain, as each affected home and village requires individual assessment and rapid repairs before winter ([02:54]).

Notable Quote

"We're moving as fast as we can. We know that folks are miserable."
— Mark Roberts, State Incident Commander ([01:35])

Relief Fund & Coordinated Aid

• Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund established by the Alaska Community Foundation in partnership with regional and Native organizations ([03:42], [04:01]).
• Over $300,000 raised by 3,500 donors as of broadcast ([04:01]).
• Cash donations preferred due to logistical challenges of shipping goods ([04:31]).

Notable Quote

"While it may seem impersonal, cash really is the best opportunity to help meet those immediate needs... It provides flexibility for us to purchase exactly what's needed and to procure those items quickly."
— Jenny Ragland, Alaska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster ([04:31])

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2. Cultural Impact & Community Solidarity

Alaska Federation of Natives Convention & Elders and Youth Conferences

• The storms profoundly shape the focus of these major cultural gatherings in Anchorage, emphasizing resilience and collective support among Indigenous communities ([05:35]).
• Community leaders emphasize emotional healing, resilience, and active support for the affected ([06:09], [07:06]).
• Relief efforts include upcoming blanket dance fundraisers and donation drives at AFN ([05:35], [07:24]).

Notable Quote

"It's easy to feel distant, but I ask you to lean in because while the storm may be hundreds of miles away, the people affected are our neighbors, our friends, and our family."
— Roy Glowing, President, First Alaskans Institute ([07:06])

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3. Policy & Governmental Actions

Legislative Ethics Violation

• State Senator Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) found to have violated ethics law by holding constituent events too close to the 2024 primary and using state resources ([09:00]).
• No formal penalty recommended; debate frames the issue as both a technicality and a concern of public trust.

AI Guidance in Alaska Schools

• Alaska joins majority of states in developing guidance for ethical use of artificial intelligence in K-12 education ([10:30]).
• Guidelines address cultural responsiveness, security, and policy considerations; recommend teaching users about data privacy ([12:07]).
• The document itself was partially written with generative AI, modeling transparency ([10:30]).
• Board members stress the importance of educating not only students, but also parents and staff, about risks associated with AI ([11:49]).

Notable Quote

"I think we need to take a really in depth look at the personally identifiable information aspect of AI, and not just from the aspect of students, but also from that of parents and for staff that work within districts."
— Kim Berge, State Board of Education ([11:49])

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4. Sitka Police Body Cameras: Progress & Obstacles

Current State

• Sitka has body cameras, but has yet to implement them due to funding and staffing challenges ([12:49]).
• Administrative, not hardware, issues are the main barrier: licensing, storage, redacting data, and a shortage of personnel ([13:19], [14:29]).

Department and Community Views

• Both interim Chief Chad Gayden and Assemblymember Kevin Mosher strongly support body cameras in principle but cite “not enough staff” and recurring administrative workload ([14:14], [14:29]).
• Current budget cycle and the need for assembly approval delay implementation ([13:27], [16:21]).

Notable Quotes

"Our biggest problem as a police department right now is we are just too shorthanded, not just at the officer level."
— Chad Gayden, Interim Sitka Police Chief ([14:29])

"I'm strongly in support of it... I think it will definitely help bring transparency... and I think it will actually protect the police officers in a great way."
— Kevin Mosher, Assemblymember ([16:31])

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5. Indigenous Peoples Day in Nome: Celebration of Art and Heritage

Community Gathering

• The Nome Recreation Center hosts a bustling celebration with over a hundred attendees, traditional foods, and craft tables ([17:13]).
• Notable guests include James Dominic Jr., Iñupiak filmmaker behind Hulu’s “Blood and Myth” ([17:30]).

Activities

• Attendees learn to sharpen traditional knives, beadwork, and painting ([18:21]).
• Indigenous foods featured—including "kok,” walrus fat-blubber-meat delicacy ([19:01]).
• Fashion show highlights traditional clothing and recognition of artisans ([19:29]).

Notable Quote

"People from where we're from and who we are, we can do hard things. We can do big things."
— James Dominic Jr. ([18:02])

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6. Elders and Youth Conference Talent Show: Encouraging the Next Generation

Purpose & Atmosphere

• "Natives Got Talent" show encourages cultural expression, bravery, and healing through performing arts ([20:46]).
• Features participants of all ages, some first-timers, and emphasizes non-traditional talents as well ([22:05], [22:34]).
• Parents and organizers create a nurturing space, stressing encouragement and pride in heritage.

Notable Moments

• Four-year-old Hazel Schwantes sings on stage for a promised reward of gummy bears, demonstrating community support and family bonds ([21:14]-[21:27]).
• Juliana Michener, 16, dedicates a song to her absent brother, channeling empowerment and emotion into performance ([22:50]-[23:14]).
• Dance groups interpret stories—such as duck hunting—through movement, teaching cultural knowledge ([23:55]).

Notable Quotes

"For our youth to get up there, it takes a lot for them to be brave... So we want to be really encouraging."
— Jeech Latobee Wood, Talent Show Organizer ([22:22])

"At Native's Got Talent, I feel very proud of who I am and very like respected."
— Alina Tiffert, Performer ([24:28])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment Description | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | Storm aftermath, shelter efforts | 00:22–04:31| | Relief fund, community action | 03:42–04:51| | AFN and Elders & Youth Conference response | 05:35–08:18| | Legislative Ethics Violation | 09:00–10:30| | AI guidelines for Alaska schools | 10:30–12:07| | Sitka Police Department body cameras | 12:49–16:48| | Nome Indigenous Peoples' Day | 17:03–19:55| | "Natives Got Talent" at Elders & Youth Conf.| 20:31–24:45|

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Memorable Quotes (With Attribution & Timestamp)

• “We’re moving as fast as we can. We know that folks are miserable.”
  — Mark Roberts, State Incident Commander ([01:35])

• “While it may seem impersonal, cash really is the best opportunity to help meet those immediate needs…”
  — Jenny Ragland ([04:31])

• “It’s easy to feel distant, but I ask you to lean in because while the storm may be hundreds of miles away, the people affected are our neighbors, our friends and our family.”
  — Roy Glowing ([07:06])

• “Our biggest problem as a police department right now is we are just too shorthanded, not just at the officer level.”
  — Chad Gayden ([14:29])

• “People from where we're from and who we are, we can do hard things. We can do big things.”
  — James Dominic Jr. ([18:02])

• “At Native's Got Talent, I feel very proud of who I am and very like respected.”
  — Alina Tiffert ([24:28])

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Overall Tone & Language

The episode is urgent, compassionate, and community-focused, balancing the gravity of disaster aftermath with stories of resilience, activism, and cross-cultural celebration.

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For More Information and Resources:

• Donate to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund: alaskacf.org
• Full stories and links: alaskapublic.org

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This summary captures the heart and details of this episode, bringing together statewide news, community responses, policy debates, and Indigenous pride, true to the voices of all involved.

Transcript

[Casey Grove]

Support for Alaska Public Media On Demand comes from Siri, an Alaska Native corporation with operations and investments spanning five continents, 45 states and two US territories.

[Mark Roberts]

We're working on contingency shelter operations in other communities.

[Casey Grove]

Literally as we speak, one person is dead and more than a thousand are in mass shelters following the storm in western Alaska. From Alaska Public Media, this is statewide news on Alaska News nightly for Tuesday, October 14th. Good evening. I'm Casey Grove. Also tonight, Sitka is considering body cameras for its police officers, but the plan has some hurdles.

[Chad Gayden]

Our biggest problem as a police department right now is we are just too shorthanded, not just at the officer level.

[Casey Grove]

Those stories and more tonight on Alaska News Nightly. A woman was found dead in Quigalingoc and two others remain missing while more than a thousand people in western Alaska are sleeping in their local schools after a massive storm Sunday made their homes unlivable. But some of the schools are not livable either. In Quiggalingock, some 400 people were sheltering at the school without functioning toilets. That's what the Alaska Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reported Monday. Nearly 600 were staying at the school in Kipnuk, where the water plant wasn't working and electricity was limited. Mark Roberts, the state incident commander, says they've begun evacuating the medically vulnerable to Bethel.

[Mark Roberts]

We're moving as fast as we can. We know that folks are miserable.

[Casey Grove]

The remnants of Typhoon Ha Long struck Kipnuk and Quigillingoc very hard with record breaking storm surge and damage to nearly every home in the two communities. But many more communities along the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta and farther north suffered flooding, complicating rescue efforts. Some airports are closed to fixed wing planes, some power plants and phone systems are down, and none of the communities are on the road system. Roberts says that about 60 people have been evacuated to a shelter established at the Bethel National Guard Armory. He says the Alaska State Troopers and National Guard are flying in supplies like water, food and satellite communications equipment to support village shelters while they figure out how to keep people warm, safe and fed.

[Mark Roberts]

Bethel is not going to be sufficient, we believe, to shelter everyone. So we're working on contingency shelter operations in other communities literally as we speak.

[Casey Grove]

Some evacuees might be moved to Fairbanks or Anchorage. Roberts says the state will make those decisions in conjunction with tribal organizations, local communities and the individuals themselves. The longer term outlook is more uncertain. Roberts says the state needs to evaluate each house in the flooded communities and in conjunction with the association of Village Council Presidents the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation and tribes.

[Mark Roberts]

If folks homes are viable and the water goes down and we can get the power back on and get them proper sanitation and supplies re establish some of their subsistence foods, then they can.

[Casey Grove]

Stay in their homes, robert says. Where possible, crews from the National Guard and Alaska's organized militia will do rapid repairs to get homes ready for winter. Other residents, he says, can register to receive state assistance and seek temporary housing outside the community. Meanwhile, community groups and businesses across the state are coordinating relief efforts after HA long brought widespread devastation to western Alaska. The Alaska Community foundation has partnered with local and regional organizations to create the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund. The foundation's Ashley Ellingson says they're distributing the funds to communities hit the hardest.

[Mark Roberts]

It's geared towards immediate support and then long term resilience. And the thing that's unique about this fund is that we have partnered with local and regional organizations to make sure that the money goes to those to the areas that it's needed most.

[Casey Grove]

The fund is a partnership with the Alaska Federation of Natives, the association of Village Council Presidents, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and a number of other groups serving Alaskans in the region. As of 1pm today, Ellingson says the fund had raised more than $300,000 from over 3,500 donors. Jenny Ragland, chair of Alaska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, says cash donations are a better option than goods since storing and transporting items can present challenges of their own.

[Mark Roberts]

While it may seem impersonal, cash really is the best opportunity to help meet those immediate needs that are coming our way. It provides flexibility for us to purchase exactly what's needed and to procure those items quickly and to get them into the hands of disaster survivors.

[Casey Grove]

You can donate to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund at The Alaska Community Foundation's website, alaskacf.org A list of businesses and groups collecting goods to be shipped to the region can be found with this [e-mail] the disaster in western Alaska as a result of ex Typhoon HA Long happened right before the start of the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Elders and Youth Conferences in Anchorage. The Alaska Desk's Alyona Nydin reports that the storm is already shaping the tone of this year's events.

[Alena Knighton]

The Alaska Federation of Natives convention, which is scheduled for this week, always focuses on issues most pertinent to local Indigenous communities. And this year a catastrophic storm that battered predominantly Alaska Native villages in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta is already the center of the conversations. Senator Lissa Murkowski spoke at the beginning of the Elderson Youth Conference, the traditional prologue to the main AFN event. She thanked people who had traveled from across the state and have been supporting those affected by the storm. As we gather for this sharing and.

[Ashley Ellingson]

This collective convening, let us keep in mind those that are in harm's way and those who are out there to be with them and to help them.

[Alena Knighton]

Communities and rescue groups are still looking for missing people and assessing the damage from the storm. Meanwhile, AFN and other local Indigenous organizations are looking for ways to help. AFN is one of 12 mostly indigenous organizations that formed the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance to villages. On Thursday, AFN plans to hold a blanket dance fundraiser for the disaster, and on Friday the group will host a donation drive to accept water, food, hygiene products and other necessities. Roy Glowing is the president of the First Alaskans Institute that hosts the Elderson Youth Conference on Sunday. He spoke about the destruction from the storm and told the gathering the whole state must come together to help.

[Casey Grove]

It's easy to feel distant, but I ask you to lean in because while the storm may be hundreds of miles away, the people affected are our neighbors, our friends and our family.

[Alena Knighton]

Marilyn Atla is a healer from the interior who participated in the Otherson Youth Conference. She encouraged people to pray and acknowledge the stress of the situation. She also invited attendees, especially young people, to talk about what they feel and consider visiting a healing station.

[Hannah Flor]

The youth could learn a lot and get a lot of healing from these people here. You have to make up your own mind to be resilient. Any type of loss that you're going to go through in your life, any type of happening problem, you have to make up your own mind to overcome it.

[Alena Knighton]

The Elders and Youth Conference is running at the Denina center in Anchorage through Wednesday. AFN is scheduled there from Thursday to Saturday with reporting help from Rhonda McBride in Anchorage. I am Alena Knighton.

[Casey Grove]

Still to come on Alaska News Nightly, the talent show at Elders and Youth encourages young people to step into the spotlight.

[Ashley Ellingson]

Feels empowering in a sense because, like, I feel strong when I'm belting like that on stage.

[Casey Grove]

That's ahead. Stay with us. A panel of the Alaska Legislature concluded that Democratic Fairbanks State Senator Scott Kawasaki violated ethics law by holding constituent events too close to the 2024 state primary. The Alaska Beacon reports that the Senate subcommittee of the Legislature Select Committee on Legislative Ethics announced its findings in a report published Friday. Under the Legislative Ethics Act, a legislator in a campaign cannot use state funds to print or distribute a political mass mailing to individuals eligible to vote for the candidate if the mailing takes place during a period that begins 60 days before the primary election and ends one day after the general election, according to the report. Kawasaki emailed constituents a newsletter, distributed informational flyers and held a picnic in the park event to observe the opening of his office in Fairbanks. Kawasaki defeated Republican Leslie Hidukevich in the November general election. He faced only Hidukevich in the primary, making the race uncontested due to the state's top four primary system. Reached by phone Friday, Kawasaki expressed disappointment in the finding, calling it a technical issue that he says was unfairly weaponized against his campaign. Hidukovich told the Beacon in a text message that it was disappointing to see a violation of the Ethics act quote, especially from someone who clearly knows better, end quote. She added that her campaign raised these issues with Kawasaki's team during the campaign. The legislative panel recommended no penalty for the violation. Alaska has joined more than half of the country in creating artificial intelligence guidance for education as it becomes a larger part of the school day. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development presented a set of guidelines on using AI in school districts last week. It includes recommendations and considerations on topics like cultural responsiveness and security when making AI policies. DEED computer science content specialist Anthony White was part of an advisory group that drafted the state's guidelines. He said at a State Board of Education meeting Thursday the guidelines do more than just advise school districts on AI policy. It positions Alaska to be highly competitive for federal AI education grants and other funding opportunities. By demonstrating a clear, unified level strategy, he says, the guidelines will prepare students and teachers for a world increasingly driven by AI. A nationwide survey of teachers and 6th to 12th graders from the center for Democracy and Technology found that a majority of them used AI during the last school year. The guidelines recommend moving beyond bans. Instead, they suggest developing ways to responsibly use generative AI, which includes software like ChatGPT that relies on large language models to create content. A disclaimer in the document states. It was written with help from generative AI to model responsible and ethical engagement with AI technologies. Board member Kim Berge says she's concerned about risks to data security. She wants to make sure more people know how to be safe when using AI.

[Ashley Ellingson]

I think we need to take a really in depth look at the personally identifiable information aspect of AI, and not just from the aspect of students, but also from that of parents and for staff that work within districts, berge says.

[Casey Grove]

Young students may not know how to avoid giving out personal information when using AI. The new guidelines recommend teaching users not to share personal information in order to protect data. Security districts in Alaska currently have guidelines that range from school level rules that mention AI to a district wide policy in Fairbanks. The document is currently available on DEED's website. The Sitka Police Department has body cameras to equip its officers in its possession, but doesn't yet have the funding to implement them. KCIW's Hope McKinney reports the city has been considering the issue since 2022, and after a donation they received this summer funding, the program is again a priority.

[Hope McKinney]

Sitka is the fifth largest city in the state, but its police officers still don't use body cameras. Body cameras are used by officers in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau as well as in smaller communities in Southeast like Wrangell, Petersburg and Ketchikan. Sitka's interim police chief Chad Gayden says the biggest barrier to implementing them in Sitka is the city's budget cycle, which runs through June 30. When he started on July 1, the budget was already set.

[Chad Gayden]

So that's our biggest issue is the day I took over the job is the day I inherited the budget that was created before I got here and I can't change that.

[Hope McKinney]

62% of local police departments nationwide used body cameras in 2020, a 43% increase from 2016 to the U.S. department of Justice. The Sitka assembly was set to consider the use of body Cameras in early 2022, but ultimately the issue never made it to the assembly table.

[Kevin Mosher]

We did a little investigating and at the time we ended up not pushing for it.

[Hope McKinney]

That's assembly member Kevin Mosher, who co sponsored the discussion item more than three years ago. He says at the time it was more about logistics than the cost of the cameras. Storing the data, preparing for public records requests and redacting for PRIV would likely require another position in an already strapped police department.

[Kevin Mosher]

That extra work of trying to store it and prepare public records requests and stuff on a regular basis would not be able to be done by regular patrol officers.

[Hope McKinney]

Chief Gayden agrees. He says even now the department still doesn't have enough staff.

[Chad Gayden]

Our biggest problem as a police department right now is we are just too shorthanded. Not just at the officer level, but I'm supposed to have two lieutenants. I have one, I'm supposed to have four sergeants. I have one, I have one administrative assistant and she's spending most of her time in dispatch because we're so short of dispatchers so we just don't have the administrative staff to do this.

[Hope McKinney]

To be clear, Gaydon says he's in favor of police body cameras, but he also sees the additional hurdles that come with them, not just in the form of cost, but in the form of administration.

[Chad Gayden]

If it's approved, we'll do it, and we'll find a way, but then we have to stop doing something else. There's only so many hours in the day, and it's largely the administration that concerns me right now. In principle, I'm 100% in support.

[Hope McKinney]

In July, the Sitka Police Department received 16 body cameras, a donation big enough for a fully staffed police department. So actually, acquiring the cameras isn't the issue right now. But Gaydon says they still need to come up with the money to pay for the service licenses and warranties.

[Chad Gayden]

It's not the physical hardware that's the issue. It's the licensing of them and them turning them on so that we can use them.

[Hope McKinney]

Gaydn says the camera manufacturer estimates the cost to the city will be between 30 and $50,000 per year for the licensing and software, depending on what services they choose. He says his officers already use DASH cameras in their patrol vehicles, so all of their traffic stops and interactions that happen in the vehicles are recorded. Officers also capture audio recordings. And although video would be better, he says, it's not like this is going to totally change the way they're doing law enforcement in Sitka.

[Chad Gayden]

I can tell you that in my 25 years in law enforcement experience, I never had a body camera, and it was never an issue. I'm not saying that they're not good. They're useful tools, but I don't think it's going to be the game changer that a lot of people think that it is.

[Hope McKinney]

Assemblymember Mosher says city staff are considering adding body camera funding to the budget this year, which would require assembly approval. And he's on board.

[Kevin Mosher]

I'm strongly in support of it. I think most assembly members will be. I believe it's something that would. The community would like. I think it will definitely help bring transparency, you know, help with people who have interactions with officers. And I think it will actually protect the police officers in a great way.

[Hope McKinney]

Chief Gaydon says the police department plans to apply for a federal grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance that could pay for up to 50% of the body camera cost in Sitka. Hi, I'm Hope McKinney.

[Casey Grove]

Indigenous Peoples Day took off in Nome, with the town joining together for an evening of culture Kanom's Wally Rana took part in the celebration and spoke with local artists about their crafts.

[Wally Rana]

Tables and chairs fill the basketball court at the Nome Recreation center as over 100 people arrive for this year's Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.

[Ashley Ellingson]

This is our fifth annual. We're so happy to be celebrating today with all of you, and we've got some exciting tables going on.

[Wally Rana]

That's Kirsten Timbers, president of the village of Solomon. The tribe, now based in Nome, hosts the event. Each year, Timbers introduces instructors at tables scattered throughout the gym floor. Some are showing how to sharpen ulus, create traditional beadwork or paint. Timbers recognizes each of the tribes present by asking them to stand up. And then she introduces special guest James Dominic Jr. Dominic is the creator of the Hulu true crime documentary Blood and Myth, set in rural Alaska. Dominic is Inupiak and was born in Kotzebue.

[Casey Grove]

I'm just here to encourage all the young people to if you really have an idea and you really want to do something, you can do it. People, people from where we're from and who we are, we can do hard things. We can do big things.

[Wally Rana]

After the speech, the gym floor buzzed with activity as participants went from table to table.

[Ashley Ellingson]

So most people at Sharpen Lulu's go like this. I don't do that. I prefer to go like this.

[Wally Rana]

Gnome resident Willis Matthew Paid iv showed people how to sharpen knives and ulus using sharpening stones. Participants got to take the stones home for free. Paid says the interest in his table surprised them.

[Ashley Ellingson]

The fun I really had. As soon as we were done with the presentation for the to start the indigenous day evening, the whole table swarmed. Say it's never a dull moment after that.

[Wally Rana]

After hitting the tables, attendees form a long line around the court for Apollock. Nome resident Vanessa Talbone serves up indigenous foods.

[Ashley Ellingson]

So I am cutting what we call kok, which is the layer of fat and blubber and meat underneath the walrus's skin.

[Wally Rana]

She says it didn't take her long to prepare the dish.

[Ashley Ellingson]

Like an hour and a half. I cheated and I used a pressure cooker, but if you boil it, it's a couple hours to make. When it's your turn, I'm gonna have you come up. If you would like. You could introduce yourself, say your name.

[Wally Rana]

The lights in the gym are shuttered, and a red carpet is laid out for the popular fashion show. Models donning traditional parkas, cusspucks and mukluks take care of sharing who made their pieces.

[Ashley Ellingson]

Hello, my name is Crystal Hensley this is my niece, Kinley Bogart. You say hi.

[Hope McKinney]

Hi.

[Ashley Ellingson]

She's wearing a vestbuck made by Alice Amactilik and mukluks made by Sherry Kulakan.

[Wally Rana]

Models donning traditional parkas. Cuspuks and Mukluks take turns sharing who made their pieces. The night culminates with drumming and dancing. The St. Lawrence island dance group performs along with anyone from the crowd who wants to join the the gym floor fills with people for one last song in Gnome on Wali Rana.

[Casey Grove]

People from all over Alaska took the stage last night for Natives Got Talent. It's a fixture of the Elders and Youth Conference with singing, dancing and storytelling. As Alaska Public Media's Hannah Flor reports, the show is meant to encourage youngsters to step out of their comfort zones.

[Hannah Flor]

Hazel Schwantes gets one last practice run with her mom before the show starts. She's the youngest performer in Native Scott talent. She's only 4, but her mom, Maria Dosal, says they've been singing together for years. She's even been on stage a few times before in their hometown of Dillingham.

[Ashley Ellingson]

Sometimes she will take the lead on it and we'll finish each other's sentences, but we just kind of feed off each other's energy when we're up there or whether we're singing at home or on stage.

[Hannah Flor]

But this is going to be a much larger crowd than Hazel is used to. Though Sal says she might need a little coaxing, maybe some kind of bribe. Hazel what sweet treat would be the best bribe?

[Hope McKinney]

Gummy Bear.

[Hannah Flor]

She wants four gummy bears to be exact. Jeech Latobee woods organizes Native Scott Talent at the annual Elders and Youth Conference, a multi day event that brings together hundreds of children, teens and elders from all over Alaska. The talent show follows a day of workshops and performances. It's a celebration of culture and community.

[Ashley Ellingson]

I hope that everyone enjoys the night and they're able to laugh and you know, I hope they have the same feeling I have when they hear our drum beats, that it's, that's healing and it becomes a healing space. But also they're able to celebrate and just be with each other and laugh.

[Hannah Flor]

The show welcomes people of all ages and experience levels. Some have been performing for years, some just decided on their song. Today, some youngsters are learning the dance moves on stage, mimicking those around them. Wood says the show is an opportunity for young people to push themselves.

[Ashley Ellingson]

For our youth to get up there, it takes a lot for them to be brave and get up there on stage. And perform and in front of everyone. So we want to be really encouraging, wood says.

[Hannah Flor]

The performances don't have to be traditional.

[Ashley Ellingson]

Our communities are really diverse at first as Alaska Native peoples, we don't want to limit anyone and we want to highlight their talents, whatever that may be.

[Hannah Flor]

For 16 year old Juliana Michener, that means singing a favorite song, one she can channel her nerves into.

[Ashley Ellingson]

It just feels empowering in a sense, you know, because like I feel strong when I'm belting like that on stage.

[Hannah Flor]

Michener is from Chenega Bay, an island Town of 50 People in Prince Williams Sound. She's singing A Warrior's Call by Volbeat. When it's her turn, she takes the mic, pacing the stage.

[Ashley Ellingson]

This one goes up to my brother who couldn't be here this year even though he really wanted to.

[Hannah Flor]

Chuck, this is for you. Trust. He just turned 15, she says, and he's kind of struggling between acts. Dance groups from around Alaska take the stage. The Kozukwak dancers are from Akyak, on the southern end of Kodiak Island. Taylor Omoto is 15 and has been dancing with the group since he was 4. He says he imagines he's really doing what it is they're singing and dancing about making ice cream, rocking a baby, or in one of his favorites, duck hunting.

[Wally Rana]

When we raise our head up, we make a duck sound and then we crawl through the grass. Make another duck sound and we crawl through the grass and then grab our spears and we throw it at the ducks.

[Hannah Flor]

11 year old Alina Tiffert decided to perform last minute, then dragged her older sister Tara in too. They're from Marshall and tonight they're dancing to a blessing song. They say they're doing it for their Yupik ancestors, and Alina says it just feels good to be in the room.

[Ashley Ellingson]

At Native's Got Talent, I feel very proud of who I am and very like respected.

[Hannah Flor]

When Hazel, the four year old, steps on stage with her mom, she takes a minute to settle in, but then she finds her groove. And just like her mom said, they're working together, finishing each other's sentences. Coming off the stage, Hazel heads straight for her mom's purse, searching for the gummy bears. The family friend grins. I think she deserves the whole bag, she says. In Anchorage, I'm Hannah Fl.

[Casey Grove]

And that's all for this edition of Alaska News Nightly. If you missed any of tonight's stories, we're [e-mail] and wherever you get your podcasts. We had reports tonight from Liz Ruskin in Washington, D.C. eric Stone and Jamie Deep in Juneau, Alyona Knighton and Hannah Flor in Anchorage, Hope McKinney in Sitka and Wally Rana in Nome. Our audio engineer is Chris Hyde. Madeline Rose is our producer, and I'm Casey Grove. Good.