Aleknagik, Alaska facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aleknagik Alaqnaqiq
City
Aleknagik lake, with the village of Aleknagik apparent in the lower left of the picture
Aleknagik, Alaska Location in Alaska
Country	United States
State	Alaska
Census Area	Dillingham
Incorporated	March 26, 1973
Area
• Total	43.52 sq mi (112.71 km2)
• Land	26.55 sq mi (68.76 km2)
• Water	16.97 sq mi (43.95 km2)
Elevation	36 ft (11 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	211
• Density	7.95/sq mi (3.07/km2)
Time zone	UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-8 (AKDT)
ZIP code	99555
Area code	907
FIPS code	02-01420
GNIS feature ID	1398091

Aleknagik (pronounced ə-LEK-nə-gik; Central Yupik: Alaqnaqiq) is a small city in Alaska, a state in the United States. It's located in the Dillingham area, which is a part of Alaska that doesn't have a county government. In 2020, about 211 people lived there.

Where is Aleknagik Located?

Aleknagik is found in the southwestern part of Alaska. It sits at the top of the Wood River, right on the southeast side of Lake Aleknagik. The city is named after this beautiful lake. It's about 16 miles (26 km) northwest of another town called Dillingham.

The city covers a total area of about 43.5 square miles (112.7 square kilometers). About 26.5 square miles (68.8 square kilometers) of this is land, and the rest is water, mainly from the lake and river.

What is the Climate Like?

Aleknagik has a cool climate, similar to places like Anchorage in Alaska. It's known as a subarctic climate. This means winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild.

• Foggy Summers: In July and August, it can often be foggy and cloudy. This can sometimes make it hard for planes to land.
• Ice-Free Waters: The lake and river are usually free of ice from June until mid-November. This is when people can use boats.
• Temperature Records:
  • The highest temperature ever recorded was 88°F (31°C) in June and July.
  • The lowest temperature ever recorded was a very cold -44°F (-42°C) in January.

A Look at Aleknagik's History and Culture

For a long time, the Wood River and Aleknagik Lake were used as summer camps for fishing. The name "Aleknagik" comes from the Yupik language. People say it means "Wrong Way Home." This is because fishermen from the Nushagak River would sometimes get lost in the fog. They would accidentally end up at Aleknagik Lake instead of their homes.

Early Settlements and Growth

In 1929, about 55 people lived in the "Wood River village" area nearby. By 1930, five families lived year-round on the lake's shores. These were the Waskeys, Polleys, Hansons, Yakos, and Smiths.

• First School: A log cabin school was built in 1933. Josie Waskey was the first teacher.
• More Families Arrive: The school, along with good fishing, hunting, and timber, attracted more families. They came from places like Goodnews, Togiak, and Kulukak.
• Post Office: A post office opened in 1937.
• New School: A bigger, two-story school was built in 1938.
• Community Growth: By 1939, Aleknagik had 78 residents and over 30 buildings, including a small sawmill.
• Churches and Missions: In the late 1940s, a Seventh-day Adventist mission and school were started. In the 1950s, a Moravian church and a Russian Orthodox church were also built.
• Road Connection: In 1959, a 25-mile (40 km) road was built. It connected the south shore of Aleknagik to Dillingham. This road was only open in summer until the late 1980s.
• City Status: Aleknagik officially became a city in 1973.

Population Changes Over Time

In the late 1800s, many people lived in Aleknagik and other nearby villages. However, different illnesses caused most residents to die. The few who survived moved away. By 1930, only one Yupik family lived in Aleknagik. But the village grew again, reaching about 40 people by 1931.

Local Government and Recent Events

The Aleknagik Traditional Council is a recognized tribe that helps govern the community. In 2010, a plane crash happened near Aleknagik. Former Senator Ted Stevens and four other people died in the accident.

Life in Aleknagik: Services and Economy

Public Services

Most homes in Aleknagik have indoor plumbing and use individual wells for water. Some homes without water service get water from the community center. Sewage is handled by septic tanks or public lagoons.

• Electricity: Nushugak Electric Cooperative provides electricity.
• Healthcare: There are two local health clinics, North Shore Health Clinic and South Shore Health Clinic. For more serious needs, there's Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham.
• Emergency Services: Volunteers and health aides provide emergency help.
• School: The Aleknagik School serves 26 students and is part of the Southwest Region School District.
• Renewable Energy: In 2021, Aleknagik joined a project to develop renewable energy sources. This will help the city use cleaner energy and be more energy efficient.

Economy and Transportation

Many people in Aleknagik work in commercial fishing during the summer. Trapping animals for their fur is also an important way to earn money. Most families also rely on "subsistence activities." This means they hunt, fish, and gather berries to feed themselves and their families. They harvest salmon, freshwater fish, moose, caribou, and berries.

• Road Access: Aleknagik is one of the few villages in the region with a road connection to Dillingham. A 25-mile (40 km) road connects to the south shore of Aleknagik Lake.
• Airports:

* The "New Aleknagik" airport is a gravel airstrip on the north shore. Regular flights connect to Dillingham. * Moody's Aleknagik Seaplane Base is for float planes. * There are also two other small airstrips: Tripod Airport and the Adventist Mission School Airport.

• Water Travel: The State of Alaska operates a dock on the north shore of Aleknagik Lake. There's also a breakwater, barge landing, and boat launch.
• Local Travel: People get around locally using vehicles, small boats (skiffs), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and snowmachines.
• Taxes: There is a 5% sales tax and a 5% accommodations tax. There is no property tax.

Who are Some Famous People from Aleknagik?

• Callan Chythlook-Sifsof (born 1989), an Olympic snowboarder.

See also

In Spanish: Aleknagik para niños