KILI facts for kids
 |
|
| Frequency | 90.1 MHz |
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Lakota, English |
| Format | Community Radio |
| Affiliations | Native Voice One |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Lakota Communications, Inc. |
| History | |
|
First air date
|
1983 |
|
Call sign meaning
|
"Cool" in the Lakota language |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 36443 |
| Class | C1 |
| ERP | 100,000 watts |
| HAAT | 155 m (509 ft) |
|
Transmitter coordinates
|
43°10′48″N 102°19′25″W / 43.18000°N 102.32361°W |
| Translator(s) | 88.7 K204FB (Rapid City) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | 32 kbit/s (live) |
KILI (90.1 FM) is a special radio station located in Porcupine, South Dakota. It's a non-profit station, which means it doesn't try to make money. Instead, it serves the Lakota people who live on the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, and Rosebud Indian Reservations. These areas are part of the larger Great Sioux Nation.
KILI started broadcasting in 1983. It was the very first radio station in the United States that was owned and run by American Indian people. Lakota Communications, Inc. owns and operates KILI. The station reaches about 30,000 people on these reservations. It also reaches a large American Indian community in Rapid City. This is done using a special signal booster called a translator.
The main goal of KILI is to help keep Native American culture alive. It also aims to make people proud of their unique heritage.
| Call sign | Frequency (MHz) |
City of license | ERP (W) |
Class | FCC info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K204FB | 88.7 MHz | Rapid City, South Dakota | 34 | D | FCC |
Contents
History of KILI Radio
KILI radio station was started in 1983. Members of the American Indian Movement helped create it. Activist Russell Means once called it "the very first Indian-controlled, Indian-owned and Indian-run radio station in the U.S." This was a big step for Native American communities.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2006, KILI faced a big problem. On April 15, lightning struck its transmitter. This caused over $200,000 in damage. The station was off the air for several weeks. But with help, they were able to fix it and get back on the air.
How KILI is Supported
Since KILI is a non-profit station, it doesn't rely on selling ads for money. Instead, it gets support from public grants. It also receives funding from tribal governments. A group of community leaders guides the station. They are part of a board of directors.
One important person on the board was Nellie Two Bulls. People knew her as "Grandma Nellie." She worked hard to promote the Lakota culture. She was loved for her storytelling and singing. Nellie Two Bulls passed away in 2007 at age 81.
Going Green with Wind Power
On December 29, 2008, KILI announced an exciting plan. The station decided to power itself using a wind turbine. This helps KILI use clean energy and be more environmentally friendly.
KILI's Programming and Shows
KILI broadcasts for 22 hours every day. Its studios are located on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The station broadcasts in both the Lakota language and English. This helps keep the Lakota language strong.
Popular Programs
KILI offers many interesting shows. The Morning Wakalyapi Show is entirely in the Lakota language. Francis Thunder Hawk hosts this show. There's also News of the Lakota Nation, which shares important updates. In the evenings, you can hear live performances of American Indian music. The station also shares many public service announcements.
One very popular show is the Blues Disc Jockey. Bryant High Horse hosts this show on Sunday mornings. During the week, he works as a middle school teacher and counselor in Rapid City. On his show, he plays blues music and adds humor.
Preserving the Lakota Language
Bryant High Horse's Lakota name is "Oyate Nawicajin," which means "Stand for his People." He is part of a group working to save the Lakota language. They want young Lakota people to speak and write their native language easily. KILI helps with this goal. Its daily schedule includes lessons in the Lakota language.
Reaching a Wider Audience
KILI also shares its programs live on the internet. This means people can listen from anywhere. The station also hosts a daily national call-in show. This show is called Native America Calling. It discusses important issues for American Indian people across the country.
