Akiachak, Alaska

Akiachak (ACK-ee-uh-chuck) is a census-designated place in the Bethel Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. At the 2000 census the population was 585; a state demographer estimated the population at 618 in 2004.

Location and Climate

Akiachak is located at (Sec. 36, T010N, R069W, Seward Meridian) in the Bethel Recording District.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.5 km² (6.8 mi²). 17.5 km² (6.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.15% is water.

Akiachak is located on the west bank of the Kuskokwim River in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 18 miles northeast of Bethel. The area averages 16 inches (40 cm) of precipitation, with snowfall of 50 inches (127 cm). Summer temperatures range from 42°F to 62°F (6–17°C). Winter temperatures range from -2°F to 19°F (-19–-7°C).

History, Culture and Demographics

The area was used by the Yup'ik Eskimos as a seasonal subsistence site. Called "Akiakchagamiut" in the 1890 census, the village had a population of 43 at that time. A post office was established in 1934. It incorporated as a second-class city on February 7, 1974. The city government was dissolved in 1987, in favor of traditional village council governance.

A federally-recognized tribe, the Akiachak Native Community, is located in the community. Akiachak is a Yup'ik Eskimo village with a fishing and subsistence lifestyle. It has a strong traditional community, and was the first city in Alaska to dissolve its city government in favor of the Native village government. The sale, importation and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 585 people, 133 households, and 111 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 33.4/km² (86.5/mi²). There were 150 housing units at an average density of 8.6/km² (22.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 3.42% White, 92.31% Native American, and 4.27% from two or more races. 1.20% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 133 households out of which 63.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.8% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.40 and the average family size was 4.89.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 44.4% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 14.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 121.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,833, and the median income for a family was $35,288. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $8,321. About 16.2% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 34.8% of those age 65 or over.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Construction of a piped water and gravity sewer system is on hold. A new well, water tank, water treatment plant and a road to the new lagoon have been completed. Construction will continue through 2005 to plumb and connect 62 homes on the west side. Currently 12 facilities, the school and teacher's housing are served by a piped system; most residents haul treated water from the washeteria. 25 households have honeybuckets hauled by the village; the others haul their own honeybuckets or use septic tanks. The village would like to purchase an incinerator and use the waste heat for public buildings. Electricity is provided by Akiachak Native Community Electric Co. There is one school located in the community, attended by 183 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Akiachak Health Clinic. Akiachak Health Clinic is a Primary Health facility. Akiachak is classified as an isolated village. It is found in EMS Region 7A in the Yukon/Kuskokwim Region. Emergency Services have river and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide.

Economy and Transportation

The majority of year-round employment in Akiachak is in education and other public services. The Yupiit School District headquarters are located in the community. Residents rely on seasonal employment such as commercial fishing, construction and BLM fire-fighting. 70 residents hold commercial fishing permits, and some work at canneries in Bristol Bay. The community is developing a fish processing facility and freezer. Subsistence activities provide most food sources. Poor fish returns since 1997 have significantly affected the community.

A State-owned 1,649' long by 40' wide gravel airstrip and public seaplane facilities provide scheduled and chartered services year-round to Akiachak. Relocation of the airport is planned for the future. Arctic Circle Air Service, Grant Aviation and Hageland Aviation offer passenger flight service. Boats, snowmachines and ATVs are used extensively by locals on the Kuskokwim River. A winter trail exists to Bethel (19 mi.) Barges deliver bulk fuel and supplies during the summer.

Regional Organizations

School District - Yupiit School District
P.O. Box 51190
Akiachak, AK 99551-0190
Phone 907-825-3600
Fax 907-825-3655
E-mail jslats@fc.yupiit.org
http://www.yupiit.org

Village Corporation - Akiachak, Limited
P.O. Box 51010
Akiachak, AK 99551-0010
Phone 907-825-4328
Fax 907-825-4115

Village Council - Akiachak Native Community (IRA)
P.O. Box 70
Akiachak, AK 99551-0070
Phone 907-825-4626
Fax 907-825-4029
E-mail akiachak@aitc.org

School District - Yupiit School District
P.O. Box 51190
Akiachak, AK 99551-0190
Phone 907-825-3600
Fax 907-825-3655
E-mail jslats@fc.yupiit.org
http://www.yupiit.org

Regional Native Corporation - Calista Corporation
301 Calista Court, Suite A
Anchorage, AK 99518-3028
Phone 907-279-5516
Fax 907-272-5060
E-mail calista@calistacorp.com
http://www.calistacorp.com

Regional Native Health Corporation - Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp.
P.O. Box 528
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-6020
Fax 907-543-6006
E-mail gene_peltola@ykhc.org
http://www.ykhc.org/

External links and references

Bethel Census Area, Alaska | Census-designated places in Alaska