This week marks one year since the death of public radio pioneer John Active. He helped create and define the bicultural and bilingual style of KYUK, and introduced the Yup’ik language and culture to the nation through his writing and storytelling. To this day, John remains the only Indigenous commentator to air on National Public Radio.
In this interview, NPR Senior Producer Art Silverman and Geoff Kennedy, a long-time friend and former KYUK colleague of John’s, tell the story of how John landed on the national airwaves.
Hear John Active's National Public Radio commentaries:
If I Were A Rich Man, I'd Pay Someone To Pick Berries For Me
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered__aug_29_1991_berry_picking.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on August 29, 1991.
Gathering Mouse Food
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered_march_24__1992_gathering_mouse_food.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on March 24, 1992.
Returning From Summer Fish Camp
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered__august_25_1992_returning_from_summer_at_fish_camp.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on August 25, 1992.
The Craft Of Translating English To Yup'ik
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered_april_5_1993_on_translating_english_to_yupik.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on April 5, 1993.
Remembering Spring Camp
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered_may_4_94_rembering_spring_camp.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on May 4, 1994.
Being Half Yup'ik
john_active_npr_commentary_aired_on_all_things_considered__oct_6_94_on_being_half_yupik.mp3
This NPR commentary by John Active aired on All Things Considered on October 6, 1994.
