Kaltag

Location and Climate

Kaltag is located on the west bank of the Yukon River, 75 miles west of Galena and 335 miles west of Fairbanks. It is situated on a 35-foot bluff at the base of the Nulato Hills, west of the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge. It lies at approximately 64d 20m N Latitude, 158d 43m W Longitude.  (Sec. 29, T013S, R001E, Kateel River Meridian.)   Kaltag is located in the Nulato Recording District.  The area encompasses 23.3 sq. miles of land and 4.1 sq. miles of water.  The area experiences a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences. The average daily high temperature during July is in the low 70s; the average daily low temperature during January ranges from 10 to below zero. Sustained temperatures of -40 degrees are common during winter. Extreme temperatures have been measured from -55 to 90. Annual precipitation is 16 inches, with 74 inches of snowfall annually. The River is ice-free from mid-May through mid-October.

History, Culture and Demographics

Kaltag is located in Koyukon Athabascan territory, and was used as a cemetery for surrounding villages. It was located on an old portage trail which led east through the mountains to Unalakleet. The Athabascans had spring, summer, fall, and winter camps, and moved as the wild game migrated. There were 12 summer fish camps located on the Yukon River between the Koyukuk River and the Nowitna River. The village was named by Russians for the Yukon Indian named Kaltaga. A smallpox epidemic, the first of several major epidemics, struck the Koyukon in 1839. A military telegraph line was constructed along the north side of the Yukon around 1867. Missionary activity was intense along the Yukon, and a Roman Catholic Mission and school opened upriver in Nulato in 1887. Steamboats on the Yukon, which supplied gold prospectors, peaked in 1900 with 46 in operation. During 1900, food shortages and a measles epidemic struck down one-third of the Native population. Kaltag was established shortly thereafter, when survivors from three nearby seasonal villages moved to the area to regroup. A post office opened in 1903, but closed in 1904. Gold seekers left the mid-Yukon after 1906, but other mining activity, such as the Galena lead mines, began operating in 1919. As a downriver village on a major transportation route, Kaltag witnessed rapid economic change. The post office reopened in 1909 and operated until 1920. Kaltag's first school opened in 1925. The post office reopened again in 1933. The old cemetery, which was located on Front Street, caved into the River around 1937. A watering point, airport and clinic were constructed during the 1960s. The City government was incorporated in 1969.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community: Village of Kaltag. 87% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.  Kaltag's residents are Koyukon Athabascans. The Stick Dance Festival draws visitors from many neighboring villages. This one-week festival of potlatches is sponsored by relatives of the recently deceased, in appreciation of those who helped during their time of mourning.

During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 78 total housing units, and 9 of these were vacant. 2 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Piped water and sewer has existed since 1982 in Kaltag. Water is derived from a well and is treated. The majority of households are fully plumbed. A new 13-unit HUD subdivision was recently connected to the system, and an extension to 6th Avenue is under construction. A new washeteria was completed in January 1998. The City has requested funds to complete a Master Plan, and to relocate the landfill, construct an access road, and acquire a refuse vehicle and containers. The current landfill is not permitted.

Electricity is provided by AVEC.

There is one school located in the community, attended by 58 students.

Local hospitals or health clinics include Kaltag Health Clinic. Auxiliary health care is provided by Kaltag Rescue (534-2224) or flight to Fairbanks.

Economy and Transportation

Subsistence is an important part of the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, waterfowl and berries are harvested. Most cash jobs are with the school, local government, BLM emergency fire fighting, commercial fishing or fish processing. 18 residents hold commercial fishing permits. A seafood processing plant is under construction in Kaltag. Poor fish returns during the past two years have significantly affected the community.

The State-owned 5,000' lighted gravel airstrip provides Kaltag with year-round air service. Barges typically deliver heavy cargo three times a year. Snowmachines, ATVs and riverboats are used for local transportation. The frozen river, local trails and the 90-mile Old Mail Trail to Unalakleet are used during the winter for woodcutting and trap lines.

Organizations with Local Offices

City - City of Kaltag, P.O. Box 9, Kaltag, AK 99748, Phone 907-534-2301, Fax 907-534-2236, E-mail: Jackie@ptialaska.net
Village Council - Village of Kaltag, P.O. Box 129, Kaltag, AK 99748, Phone 907-534-2224, Fax 907-534-2299

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/