Allakaket

Location and Climate

Allakaket is on the south bank of the Koyukuk River, southwest of its junction with the Alatna River, approximately 190 air miles northwest of Fairbanks and 57 miles upriver from Hughes. The village of Alatna is located directly across the river. It lies at approximately 66d 34m N Latitude, 152d 38m W Longitude.  (Sec. 14, T020N, R024W, Fairbanks Meridian.)   Allakaket is located in the Fairbanks Recording District.  The area encompasses 3.6 sq. miles of land and .7 sq. miles of water.  The area experiences a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences. The average high temperature during July is 70; the average low during January is well below zero. Extended periods of -40 are common. The highest temperature ever recorded was 94; the lowest, -75. Average precipitation is 13 inches, with 72 inches of snowfall. The Koyukuk River is ice-free from June through October.

History, Culture and Demographics

Several Native groups have lived in the area, including Koyukon Athabascans and Kobuk, Selawik, and Nunamiut Eskimos from the north and northwest. The Koyukon lived in several camps throughout the year, moving as the seasons changed, following the wild game and fish. The various bands established joint settlements after 1851. The old site of Alatna was a traditional trading center for Athabascans and Eskimos. The first mission on the Koyukuk River, St. John's-in-the-Wilderness Episcopal Mission, was established in 1906. A post office was opened in 1925. In 1938, the name of the community was changed to Allakaket (the old name for the mission), and the name Alatna was assumed by the small Eskimo community across the river. The first public school was established in 1957. A flood caused by ice jamming inundated 85% of the community in the Spring of 1964. In 1975, the community incorporated as a City, including both settlements of Allakaket and Alatna. A clinic and airport were built in 1978. A new school and community roads were built in 1979. In September 1994, flood waters destroyed and swept away nearly all of the community's buildings, homes, and food caches for the winter. Residents rebuilt near the old City site, but some new homes and facilities are now located outside of the incorporated City boundaries. New Allakaket and Alatna are located outside of the City limits.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community: Allakaket Village. 95.9% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.  Allakaket is mainly an Athabascan community; Kobuk Eskimos live across the river in Alatna. Two separate village councils exist. Traditional potlatches, dances and foot races attract visitors from area villages. Subsistence activities provide the majority of food sources. Sale, importation, and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.

During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 59 total housing units, and 18 of these were vacant. 11 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Most public facilities were severely damaged in the 1994 Koyukuk River flood. Major components have been replaced -- a new washeteria, well and treatment plant, water storage tank, sewage lagoon, and force main have recently been completed. The lagoon is connected to the washeteria and school. Residents carry treated water and haul honeybuckets or use pit privies; no households have plumbing. A feasibility study is planned to examine costs of alternative household services. A new landfill and access road are under development.

Electricity is provided by Allakaket Energy Systems.

There is one school located in the community, attended by 47 students.

Local hospitals or health clinics include Allakaket Health Clinic. Auxiliary health care is provided by flight to Fairbanks.

Economy and Transportation

Subsistence is the focus of the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, small game and berries provide most food sources. Caribou are taken when available. Most cash jobs are part-time or seasonal. The primary employers are the school, City and village corporation store. A few earn income from trapping or selling traditional Native handicrafts. Construction and BLM emergency firefighting provide summer jobs.

Allakaket has no road link, but winter trails connect it with Hughes, Bettles and Tanana. River transportation is important in summer, but there is no commercial barge access due to shallow water. A State-owned 4,000' lighted gravel runway is accessible year-round. A $6 million airport improvement began construction in 1997.

Organizations with Local Offices

City - City of Allakaket, P.O. Box 30, Allakaket, AK 99720, Phone 907-968-2241, Fax 907-968-2251
Village Council - Allakaket Village, P.O. Box 50, Allakaket, AK 99720, Phone 907-968-2237, Fax 907-968-2233

Regional Organizations

School District - Yukon/Koyukuk Schools, 4672 Old Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4456, Phone 907-474-9400, Fax 907-474-0657, E-mail: kedempster@yksd.schoolzone.net, Web: http://www.ptialaska.net/~yksd
Regional Native Corporation - Doyon, Limited, 1 Doyon Place, Suite 300, Fairbanks, AK 99701-2941, Phone 907-452-4755, Fax 907-459-2060, E-mail: info@doyon.com, Web: http://www.doyon.com/
Regional Native Health Corporation - Tanana Chiefs Conference, 122 First Avenue #600, Fairbanks, AK 99701, Phone 907-452-8251, Fax 907-459-3850, E-mail: ndahl@tananachiefs.org, Web: http://www.alaska.net/~tcc/