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Jacob Tix̂lax̂ Stepetin co-founded and plays lead guitar for the Indigenous heavy metal group, Merciless Indian Savages. They have song titles like “Pseudo Savior,” “Manifest Death” and “Kill the Man/Save the Indian.” These song titles grab your attention, but Stepetin says the point is to create an opportunity to talk about Indigenous issues.

British Columbia, devastated by wildfires last summer, is now coping with severe flooding — both dramatic examples of the impact of climate change.

The Unalaska Department of Public Utilities is upgrading electrical equipment that’s caused some of the island’s recent power outages.The new, more robust transformers will be able to better handle the harsh Aleutian weather, according to acting public utilities director Steve Tompkins. They’re also equipped for possible upgrades to the island’s energy grid, such as renewable energy from nearby Makushin Volcano.

House Speaker Louise Stutes has appointed a former Unalaska mayor to a new ferry oversight board.Shirley Marquardt will be joining the nine-member Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board, which was established through the passage of House Bill 63 — introduced by Speaker Stutes last session.

A new airline that’s announced regular air connections between Unalaska and Anchorage has delayed its launch to the island until next spring, saying it’s studying safety recommendations made in the wake of 2019’s fatal crash at Dutch Harbor involving the same type of aircraft.

Alaska’s coastal communities face pronounced threats as climate change creates new hurdles around the globe.The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska hosted an event in early November, designed to help local, regional, statewide and national partners share knowledge about how to face those challenges.The event was mainly virtual, but there were also group gatherings in Unalaska, Akutan and Sand Point. Around a dozen people attended the in-person event at the Grand Aleutian Hotel in Unalaska.

Aleutian Airways has delayed its launch to Unalaska until next spring; the City of St. Paul says two essential workers tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, after flying into the community; and the first international Indigenous musical festival, Rock Aak’w, showcased several Native artists.

Army Pvt. George Fox is the only known Unangax̂ soldier killed in action in World War II and any war since. He’s also been buried in an unmarked grave in Unalaska for over 70 years.Now, nearly a decade of work will culminate in a Memorial Day 2022 ceremony to recognize and honor him.

U.S. health officials have given final approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 through 11, but Unalaska children will have to wait for their shots — at least for a few more days.The Iliuliuk Family and Health Services clinic pre-ordered the vaccine weeks ago in preparation for its approval, and the doses are scheduled to arrive Friday, according to Medical Director Dr. Megan Sarnecki. The Oonalaska Wellness Center received its doses Thursday.

The Museum of the Aleutians joined over forty organizations from across the state last week to show support for the Alaska Jewish Museum.Recently, the Anchorage-based museum suffered attacks of antisemitic vandalism. In light of that violence, Museums Alaska — a statewide networking and advocacy group — reached out to other Alaska museums, cultural centers and historical societies asking them to sign a letter of support for the Alaska Jewish Museum and for Jewish history, art and culture.