It wasn't long after I arrived in Alaska that I was "drafted" to be part of the Athabaskan fiddler scene. 

http://www.fiddlechicks.com/athabascan/billstevens.htm

 I play electric bass, which is not a traditional Athabaskan instrument, but I always seemed to be in demand with the Fiddlers anyway.  There are a significant number of us "IBOs"  (Indians by Osmosis) involved with the Athabaskan fiddlers.  Most recently, I have been involved with filing some FCC paperwork for a new radio station to be owned and operated by the Athabaskan Fiddlers of Fairbanks...which will be one of the few stations in the state with live local programning....one over which Clear Channel Radio or their minions will never hoist their Jolly Roger. 

The Athabaskan Fiddlers Association has long served as an entertaining and "user friendly" vehicle for the preservation of a fading culture.  I trust that Ken Charlie's new radio station will be on the air soon, with a uniquely Alaskan voice.

An Interior elder of some renown once wrytly quipped that, "Preservation is better than the Reservation."  I am honored and humbled to be part of the process, in some small capacity.

Mahsi 'cho!

Eric