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Huslia
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Location and Climate
History, Culture and Demographics The Koyukon Athabascans lived between the south fork of the Koyukuk River and the Kateel River. They had spring, summer, fall, and winter camps, and moved as the wild game migrated. In the summer many families would float on a raft to the Yukon to fish for salmon. The Koyukon often traded with the Kobuk River Eskimos. By 1843, Russian explorers had made contact with Athabascans approximately 50 miles downriver from the current site. The Western Union Telegraph Company explored the River around 1867, and missionary activity increased after 1870. Cutoff Trading Post (also called Old Town) was established in the 1920s about 4 miles overland, or 16 river miles, from modern Huslia. In 1949, the community moved to the present site because Cutoff flooded frequently and the ground was swampy. Huslia (originally spelled Huslee) was named after a local stream. Huslia had been used as a burial site since 1886, but by the time of the move, most of the old cemetery had been destroyed by erosion. In 1950, the first school was established, followed by a post office, airport and road construction in 1952. At this time, families began to live year-round at Huslia. In 1960, a health clinic was constructed, and in 1963, 29 individual hand-pumped water wells were installed. The City government was incorporated in 1969. Running water and indoor plumbing arrived in 1974. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community: Huslia Village. 95.2% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Huslia is an Athabascan village, and most residents are related by birth or marriage. The sale of alcohol is banned in the community; importation or possession are allowed. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 111 total housing units, and 23 of these were vacant. 6 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care Piped water and sewer has existed in Huslia since 1974. Water is derived from a well and is treated. Funds have been provided to connect 25 new HUD homes and 11 others to the piped water and sewer system, including indoor plumbing. Funds have been requested to replace the water storage tank, water treatment building, washeteria and landfill. The landfill is adjacent to the new airstrip site, scheduled to begin construction during the summer of 2000, and must be relocated. Electricity is provided by AVEC. There is one school located in the community, attended by 68 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Huslia Health Clinic. Economy and Transportation Subsistence is central to the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, caribou, small game, waterfowl and berries provide most food sources. Most cash opportunities are in part-time positions or self-employment. The City, school, clinic and stores provide the only full-time employment. During summer months, BLM emergency fire fighting and construction jobs outside of the village supplement income. Two residents hold a commercial fishing permit. River transportation is used extensively in the summer. Cargo arrives by barge twice each year. Huslia is accessible by air year-round, and the 3,000' lighted gravel airstrip is owned by the State. Plans are underway to relocate the airport. Snowmachines, ATVs and skiffs are used for local transportation. Huslia has a network of winter trails, and the frozen River is used as an "ice road" to neighboring villages. Organizations with Local Offices City - City
of Huslia, P.O. Box 10, Huslia, AK 99746, Phone 907-829-2266, Fax
907-829-2224 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 |