Alaska Inter-Tribal Council

As a result of controversy spread by KBFX's radio stations broadcasting remarks slanderous towards Native Women. AITC has released the following statement regarding our expectations for public media broadcasts.

Alaska Inter-Tribal Council is concerned with the message that was broadcast by KBFX - Clear Channel Communications on 4/09/2008. Our organization is strongly opposed to any messages of racist or sexist content. Our organization recognizes that Native Alaskan Women are the backbone of traditional Native communities; furthermore, any attack against any Native peoples, unjustly familiarizes all public broadcast listeners with uninformed racial perspectives that promote xenophobic social norms.

AITC commends Alaskan civil rights advocates for their relentless efforts that resulted in bringing this issue into light. As a result of this incident exposing sexist and racists radio broadcasting practices, additional scrutiny should be applied to the issue of private media broadcasting messages atavistic to social improvement. Additionally slander directly against indigenous peoples regardless of sex is viewed as a specific concern of our organization.

AITC encourages KBFX to take appropriate action against the personnel responsible. This incident should serve to promote no-tolerance anti discriminatory precedents for all public radio broadcasts. AITC is willing to work with organizations, and personnel to help bridge cultural gaps through outreach, education, and collaboration efforts.

To view AITC's official response please download the .pdf below.