Preserving Yupiaq culture through the airwaves

by Peter Twitchell

1970 May 22, I graduated from the Kilbuck High School. I heard local folks talking about a radio station, the BBI Board of Directors being established because they had a vision of having the “first Native and Native-owned radio station on the Kuskokwim Delta.”

Th newly formed Board of Directors depended on the leadership skills of Senator George Hohman, who believed in the importance of preserving the native culture and our Yupiaq language and Qanruyutet, the sacred laws of our Yupiaq Tribe.

David Moore built the first station for KYUK. He converted a house on Third Road Housing into a Yupiaq radio station. The first Bethel Broadcasting Board of Directors consisted of Chief Edward Hoffman, Rep. Phillip Guy of Kwethluk, Martin B. Moore of Emmonak, and Judge Nora Guinn.

Our leaders and Board member proclaimed “This is our radio station! Let the people know KYUK is their radio station! Encourage them to share their wisdom on the radio airwaves. Let them speak and tell their story.”

Our whole Kuskokwim Delta welcomed KYUK and called their station to share a song, a story, and traditional values. It was a great accomplishment by the State through KYUK to connect the people together. This was a great accomplishment through the leadership of men like David Moore, George Charles, Andrew Edge, Chief Edward Hoffman, Jim Croll, and Henry Ivanoff.

Under these KYUK managers, KYUK employees worked in harmony in reaching their audience as one. Thank you to those leaders who dedicated their time to the welfare of the employees.