Akiachak, Alaska

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Akiachak, Alaska
settlement_type = CDP
nickname =
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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Akiachak, Alaska


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Alaska
subdivision_type2 = Census Area
subdivision_name2 = Bethel
government_footnotes =
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leader_title =
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area_magnitude =
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area_total_km2 = 17.5
area_land_km2 = 17.5
area_water_km2 = 0
area_total_sq_mi = 6.8
area_land_sq_mi = 6.8
area_water_sq_mi = 0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 585

timezone = Alaska (AKST)
utc_offset = -9
timezone_DST = AKDT
utc_offset_DST = -8
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 4
elevation_ft = 13
latd = 60 |latm = 53 |lats = 58 |latNS = N
longd = 161 |longm = 24 |longs = 48 |longEW = W

postal_code_type =
postal_code =
area_code = 907
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 02-00760
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 1398011
website =
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Akiachak (ACK-ee-uh-chuck) ("Akiacuar" in Central Yup'ik) is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Bethel Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. The population was 585 at the 2000 census.

Geography and climate

Akiachak is located at coor dms|60|54|34|N|161|25|53|W|type:city_region:US (60.909440, -161.43139)GR|1, Sec. 36, T010N, R069W, Seward Meridian)fact|date=January 2007 in the Bethel Recording District.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.8 square miles (17.5 km²), of which, 6.8 square miles (17.5 km²) 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 to -7°C).

History and culture

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 censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 585 people, 133 households, and 111 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 86.5 people per square mile (33.4/km²). There were 150 housing units at an average density of 22.2/sq mi (8.6/km²). 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.

Public services

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.

References

External links

* [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/us/06land.html?_r=1&hp New York Times article on Akiachak, Alaska]
* [http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commdb/CIS.cfm?Comm_Boro_Name=Akiachak State of Alaska, Division of Community Advocacy, Community Information Summary]
* [http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/photos/comm_photos.cfm?comm=Akiachak State of Alaska, Division of Community Advocacy, Community Photos]