Alena Naiden is an Alaska Desk reporter at KNBA in Anchorage. She focuses on rural and Indigenous communities in the Arctic and across Alaska, reporting on issues related to climate change, cultural movements, and regional interests. Alena's work has been featured in a variety of outlets, including Yahoo News, Anchorage Daily News, and Firehouse Magazine.
Preston is the artificial intelligence that powers the Intelligent Relations PR platform. Meet Preston
Kaktovik, United States (Local)
Not enough data
Based on Alena Naiden's coverage, she primarily focuses on local news in Alaska, particularly around indigenous culture and community events. She seems interested in stories related to Iñupiaq culture, education, sports (specifically wrestling), wildlife, mental health, and government policies affecting the area.
Given her focus on evolving stories and breaking news with a strong emphasis on culture & society as well as government & politics, she may be more responsive to pitches that provide unique perspectives or access to individuals involved in ongoing local issues or events such as cultural revival programs or missing person searches. Additionally, pitches highlighting initiatives related to education or mental health within the Alaskan context might capture her attention.
When reaching out to Alena Naiden it is important for sources to have firsthand knowledge of local events happening specifically in Alaska and should demonstrate sensitivity towards indigenous cultures and their significance within the region.
This information evolves through artificial intelligence and human feedback. Improve this profile .
Dennis Pungowiyi shows off one of his favorite carving motifs, a mother walrus with her pup.
The fire, which started Thursday in Ambler's landfill, was estimated at 1,500 acres by Monday.
By: Alena Naiden
Alaska Native corporations rely on contracts awarded through the 8(a) program – especially from the Department of Defense – for a significant portion of their revenue.
By: Alena Naiden
Haven Harris testifies to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Feb. 3, 2026. (House Committee on Natural Resources YouTube.) The U.S. Small Business Administration proposed Thursday to drastically change a contracting program that benefits disadvantaged individuals and groups. But the agency said the change won’t affect tribes and Alaska Native corporations, which benefit heavily from the program.
By: Knba By, Alena Naiden
Alaska Native corporations rely on contracts awarded through the 8(a) program – especially from the U.S. Department of Defense – for a significant portion of their revenue.
For many coastal Arctic communities, whaling is a key food source and an important way to maintain Iñupiat traditions. But this year, in the far north, spring whaling in Utqiagvik is off to a late start because of unusual ice conditions.
By: Alena Naiden
Interior Sec. Doug Burgum visited Anaktuvuk Pass in May, 2026, to announce the department’s decision to restore ATV access to the park.
By: Alena Naiden
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced in May that it was restoring off-road vehicle access to the park for subsistence. Residents have been advocating for that change for decades.
By: Alena Naiden
Marc John Morry has been hunting caribou around Anaktuvuk Pass since he was a child. But in the summer and fall, most of the land around the village has been off-limits to hunters like him.
By: Alena Naiden
Whimbrel populations have shrunk by about 70% over the past several decades. The birds are considered threatened by the United Nations.
