Alakanuk, Alaska facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alakanuk Alarneq  (Central Yupik)
City
Alakanuk Airport
Alakanuk, Alaska Location in Alaska
Country	United States
State	Alaska
Census area	Kusilvak
Incorporated	October 28, 1969
Area
• Total	41.80 sq mi (108.26 km2)
• Land	32.20 sq mi (83.40 km2)
• Water	9.60 sq mi (24.86 km2)
Elevation	3 ft (1 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	756
• Density	23.48/sq mi (9.07/km2)
Time zone	UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-8 (AKDT)
ZIP code	99554
Area code	907
FIPS code	02-01200
GNIS feature ID	1398042

Alakanuk (pronounced ah-LUG-uh-nuck) is a city in western Alaska. Its name in the Yup'ik language is Alarneq. It is located in the Kusilvak Census Area.

In 2010, the city had 677 people living there. By 2020, the population grew to 756 residents.

Exploring Alakanuk's Location and Climate

Alakanuk is found in western Alaska, about 15 miles (24 km) from the Bering Sea. It sits at the east entrance of Alakanuk Pass. This is a major southern channel of the Yukon River.

The city is part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. It is about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Emmonak. Alakanuk is the longest village on the lower Yukon River. It stretches over 3 miles (5 km) along the Pass.

Weather and Seasons in Alakanuk

Alakanuk has a subarctic climate. This means it has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The area gets about 60 inches (152 cm) of snowfall each year. Total precipitation is around 19 inches (48 cm) annually.

Temperatures can range from -25°F (-32°C) in winter to 79°F (26°C) in summer. Strong winds are common, especially in fall and winter. From November to May, the frozen Yukon River is used as an ice road.

Land and Water Features

The city covers a total area of about 41 square miles (106 square km). Most of this area, about 32.4 square miles (83.9 square km), is land. The remaining 8.7 square miles (22.5 square km) is water.

Alakanuk's History and Culture

The name "Alakanuk" comes from a Yup'ik word. It means "wrong way" or "mistake village." This name fits because the village is in a complex network of waterways.

Early Days and Growth

The village was first noted in 1899 by G.R. Putnam. It was originally settled by a Yup'ik spiritual leader named Anguksuar and his family. A Catholic mission school was built nearby.

In 1946, a post office was opened in Alakanuk. The school moved to St. Mary's in 1948. Many families then moved from the old school site to Alakanuk. The city officially became a second-class city in 1969.

Local Culture and Community

The Village of Alakanuk is a federally recognized tribe. This means the community has a special relationship with the U.S. government.

Population Changes in Alakanuk

Alakanuk first appeared on the U.S. Census in 1940. It was listed as the native village of "Alaganuck." It has been listed as Alakanuk in every census since 1950. The city officially became incorporated in 1969.

Community Life in 2000

In 2000, there were 652 people living in Alakanuk. These people lived in 139 households. Most households, 118, were families. The average household had about 4.69 people. The average family had about 5.19 people.

Most residents, about 95.40%, were Native American. About 1.99% were White. The rest were Asian or from two or more races.

Age Groups in the City

The population in 2000 was quite young. About 44.6% of residents were under 18 years old. About 12.9% were between 18 and 24. The median age was 20 years. This means half the population was younger than 20, and half was older.

City Services and Healthcare

The city government manages the water and sewer systems. About 90% of homes are connected to these systems. Water comes from the Alakanuk Slough. It is treated and stored before being sent to homes.

New Developments and Utilities

New facilities include a water treatment plant and a large water storage tank. There is also a vacuum sewage plant and a sewage lagoon. These help keep the community clean and healthy.

A new housing area is being built. Nine new homes will be connected to the city's water and sewer. The city is also moving homes away from areas threatened by river erosion.

Electricity in Alakanuk is provided by AVEC.

Health Services in Alakanuk

The Alakanuk Health Clinic is the main healthcare facility. It provides primary health care. For more specialized care, residents can go to the Pearl E. Johnson Sub-Regional Clinic in Emmonak.

Alakanuk is considered an isolated village. Emergency services are available by air and along the coast. A health aide provides emergency care. The village has rules about alcohol.

Education in Alakanuk

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend Alakanuk School.

Economy and Transportation

Alakanuk has an economy that changes with the seasons. Many residents have permits for commercial fishing. They sell their salmon to fish buyers. However, poor fish returns have affected the community's income.

Jobs and Food Sources

Some jobs are available year-round in government and local shops. Many residents also hunt and gather food. They get salmon, beluga whale, seal, moose, and rabbit. Some residents also trap animals for their fur.

Many people travel to Emmonak for shopping, social events, and basketball games.

Getting Around Alakanuk

Alakanuk Airport is a gravel airstrip owned by the state. It is 2,200 feet (670 meters) long. This airport is used for air travel. However, the airport is being moved because of erosion.

Several airlines offer passenger flights, including Grant Aviation and Hageland Aviation. Alakanuk is also easy to reach by boat from the Yukon River and Bering Sea. Most mail and passengers arrive by plane.

There are no roads connecting Alakanuk to other towns. But in winter, ice roads are used. For local travel, people use snow machines and boats.

The sales tax in Alakanuk is 4%. There are no property taxes.

Notable people

• Father Segundo Llorente (1906–1989) was a Jesuit priest from Spain. While living in Alakanuk, he was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1960.

See also

In Spanish: Alakanuk para niños