Native America Calling, the nationally broadcast radio program, has officially named Shawn Spruce as host.

Spruce, who hails from the Pueblo of Laguna, has been serving as a host of the program for most of the past 15 months. In a press release on Wednesday, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, the Native media group that produces the show, said he is now on “permanent” status.

“Spruce is a naturally curious and engaging conversationalist with strong connections with Native communities all over the country,” Koahnic, which is based in Alaska, said in the release. “He was a frequent guest for many years on Native America Calling and made an impression as someone who could connect with audiences on a variety of issues. Coming from a financial education and economic development background, Shawn has developed broad professional relationships and a breadth of knowledge that inform his ability to host the only national radio call-in show devoted to Native issues.”

Koahnic also announced Sol Traverso as an associate producer for Native America Calling. He is Athabascan from Alaska.

Additionally, Koahnic said Andi Murphy, who hails from the Navajo Nation, has been promoted to senior producer for the show. For Native America Calling, she has been hosting The Menu, which focuses on Native foods, Native cuisine and Native food sovereignty.

Koahnic began the search for a new host in July 2021, following the departure of Tara Gatewood, who is Pueblo of Isleta and Navajo. A number of prominent Native figures, including Alyssa London, who now works for NBC News and MSNBC, hosted episodes of the show before Spruce was named to the permanent spot.

Native America Calling airs live every weekday at 1pm Eastern on nearly 70 public, community and tribal radio stations in the United States and in Canada. Prior hosts include Harlan McKosato, who passed away in 2020, and Patty Talahongva.

The full October 5, 2022, press release from Koahnic Broadcast Corporation follows.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, a nonprofit, Alaska Native governed media center, has announced an all-star assemblage of new hires joining the news, production and administrative teams.

Award-winning presenter Shawn Spruce (Laguna Pueblo) has joined Koahnic as the new permanent host of Native America Calling (NAC). The live and nationally syndicated radio program produces thoughtful conversations from a Native perspective about issues that affect Native people.

Spruce is a naturally curious and engaging conversationalist with strong connections with Native communities all over the country. He was a frequent guest for many years on Native America Calling and made an impression as someone who could connect with audiences on a variety of issues. Coming from a financial education and economic development background, Shawn has developed broad professional relationships and a breadth of knowledge that inform his ability to host the only national radio call-in show devoted to Native issues. He was awarded the 2021 Ketchum Prize for outstanding contributions to financial education and inclusion for Native Americans.

Sol Traverso (Athabascan and Puerto Rican descent) joins NAC as associate producer. Originally from Alaska, Traverso is a University of New Mexico journalism graduate with three years of experience that includes the UNM Daily Lobo, the New Mexico News Port, The Taos News and NAC.

Andi Murphy (Diné) has been promoted to senior producer for NAC. Murphy has more than decade of journalism experience including eight years with NAC. She specializes in Indigenous multimedia storytelling, production, and research and is a frequent fill-in host for NAC. Her popular “Toasted Sister Podcast” covers Indigenous cooking and food sovereignty. She is a two-time first place winner of the National Native Media Award for general excellence in podcasting and radio.

KNBA, Koahnic’s Anchorage-based radio station which primarily hosts Alaska Native programming, has welcomed two new junior-level positions. Kayla Rearden as administrative assistant and Hanna Bissett as news intern.

Koahnic Broadcast Corporation is a multimedia Native American production and distribution nonprofit located in Anchorage, Alaska, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Koahnic operates public radio station KNBA, and produces and distributes National Native News, Native America Calling, The RIVR, Indigefi, Native Voice One (NV1). The media group is committed to amplifying Native voices throughout Alaska and the nation.