Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: Val's Next Chapter Beyond Living The Circle of Life

  • April 2, 2025
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A message from Valene MC:

"After 3 years of volunteering as co-host of KRCL's Living The Circle of Life (LTCOL), and with a grateful heart, I am stepping back as a host from LTCOL. I am stepping back to have more time with my children and family, but I will continue to work as staff for KRCL's RadioActive team, Monday-Friday, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. I am grateful to have Leah Swenson stepping up as a new host for LTCOL along with Dave John.

Indigenous Representation in Media: Progress and Visibility

Since beginning radio broadcasting, I have only seen Indigenous representation grow in the media, in areas of film, TV, and local community stories. After attending the Native Broadcasting Summit in Phoenix in Spring 2024, I realized there are so many Indigenous broadcasters and allies holding space for their communities and doing the work across Turtle Island.

At Living the Circle of Life, I have worked hard to remember our cultural roots with traditional songs. I also wanted to share and highlight songs from our modern, contemporary Native artists and musicians in all genres. It’s important for listeners to know where we [Indigenous People] have been and what we are creating in the here & now with contemporary music and a hint of Native Futurism.

Continuing Indigenous Storytelling Through Film and Radio

What’s next on the horizon for me? I will continue working at KRCL’s RadioActive public affairs talk show and continue my work in film. My documentary, which I am directing and co-producing, received funding, and we won a 2024 Student Emmy, so we are moving into Phase II of filming. This project is about Indigenous Stewardship and Saving Great Salt Lake.

KRCL is a part of my family and community. It has informed my work along with my Indigeneity as a filmmaker—to stand up and speak out for community and our environment.

Honoring Indigenous Ancestors and Civil Rights Leaders

I will continue to turn to my Ancestors, Spirit, Creator, God, the Infinite, and/or Higher Power [whatever one calls it]. My touchstone will continue to be my family and heritage, like my Great Aunt Elizabeth Peratrovich, a civil rights leader in Alaska when we were segregated much like America’s deep South.

In 1945, a culmination of her hard work with Native community activists led to one of America’s first Anti-Discrimination Bills. Words are my love language, and never more fitting than now…

"Asking you to give me rights implies that they are yours to give. I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve."
— Elizabeth Peratrovich, Alaska Native Civil Rights Activist

Honoring the Legacy of Living The Circle of Life and KRCL

I leave Living the Circle of Life knowing I stand on the shoulders of all LTCOL hosts who came before me. And I stand on the foundation that Donna Land Maldonado (Northern Ute tribe) gave our community—former KRCL General Manager, KRCL’s very first hire, and a pioneer in public radio. She founded Living the Circle of Life, and she gave KRCL and Salt Lake City so much.

I will always be grateful to her and our community. Quyana to all the KRCL family for keeping KRCL’s Indigenous roots strong and nourished.

Stay Connected and Continue Supporting Indigenous Voices

Please keep in touch with me at valenep@krcl.org, and Gunalcheesh for continuing to support Living the Circle of Life, Sundays 7-10 am.

All my warmth & care,
Valene MC
Tribal member of the Tlingit, Unangan, and Athabascan Nations

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