HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Villages of Bristol Bay & Their Development Priorities 1983‘IR ARY CO Y) BRI
002
Gee 7 i The Villages of Bristol Bay
and Their Development Priorities
The Villages of Bristol Bay
and Their Development Priorities
Subsistence, a way of life at Manokotak
Prepared By: Patty Beck Economic Development Planner .
Bristol Bay Native Association P.O. Box 189
Dillingham, Alaska 99576 Photo courtesy of Campfire Swiin Program, BBAHC
Population of Towns and Villages in Bristol Bay*
% Change % Change % Change 1980** 1970 1960 1950 1939 1929 1950-60 1960-70 1970-80
Bristol Bay Region 5672 4357 3275 2307 1286 765 +42 +33 +30
Nushagak Bay Sub-Region 1998 1188 833 912 491 287 -9 +43 +68
Aleknagik 227. 128 = =231 153 78
Clarks Point 95 95 138 128 22 25
Dillingham 1656 914 424 577 278 85
Ekuk 20 51 40
Kanakanak* * * 54 113 177
Kvichak Bay Sub-Region 1052 999 939 548 580 343 +77 +6 +5
Egegik 155 148 150 119 125 86
King Salmon 200 202 227
Naknek 350 325 249 174 152 173
Pilot Point 68 68 61 67 114
Port Heiden 81 66 74
South Naknek 160 154 142 140 134
Ugashik 40 36 36 48 55 84
Togiak Bay Sub-Region 829 664 369 228 10 71 +62 +80 +25
Manokotak 280 214 149 120
Togiak 474 383 220 108 10 71
Twin Hills 75 67
Nushagak River Sub-Region 715. 595 439 385 68 40 +14 +36 +20
Ekwok 103 103 106 131 68 40
Koliganek 142 142 100 90
Levelock 90 74 88 76
New Stuyahok 300 216 145 88
Portage Creek 80 60
lliamna Lake Sub-Region 647 519 378 234 137 24 +62 +37 +25
Igiugig 45 36
lliamna 100 58
Kokhanok 101 88 57 39
New Halen 106 88 63 48 55
Nondalton 250 184 205 103 82 24
Pedro Bay 45 65 53 44
Alaska Penin. Sub-Region 431 392 «317 +24 +10
Chignik 80 83 99
Chignik Lake 120 117 107
Chignik Lagoon 80+ 50
lvanof Bay 50 48
Perryville 101 94 #111
* Excluding King Salmon AFB
** Bristol Bay Native Association estimates
*** Incorporated in Dillingham City by 1960 census
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Important Issues in Bristol Bay
The Subregions
I. Nushagak Bay
ll. Nushagak River
Ill. Togiak Bay
IV. Kvichak Bay
V. Iliamna Lake
Vi. Alaska Peninsula
Epilogue
This booklet was written
by and for the people
of Bristol Bay
Nature speaks Be swift like the wind Be brave like the sea Be gentle like the breezes Be patient like the sun who waits and watches the four changes of the earth Be wise like the roaring of the thunder clouds and lightning Be sincere like the morning dawn
Be proud like the tree who stands tall without bending
Be brilliant like the rainbow colors Be and reflect all that nature provides.
Eva Kahn 41
INTRODUCTION
The following village descriptions are basically an update of the village development priorities identified in the report entitled Bristol Bay: The
Fishery and the People, completed in early 1975 by the Bristol Bay Native Association, Inc., under
contract by the Bristol Bay Regional Advisory
Council.
There are 29 communities within the Bristol Bay region served by the Bristol Bay Native
Association (BBNA). Each year the communities
assess their development priorities, setting new priorities while taking into consideration the
changes occurring within their communities and within the region as a whole.
Since the completion of the 1975 report, the
village leaders have made a reassessment, bring-
ing to lignt many problems the villagers must
overcome when trying to improve their com- munity infrastructure. The people are proud of
the accomplishments within the economic structure of the villages.
Important Issues in Bristol Bay Today
SUBSISTENCE: the people and culture of the villages of Bristol Bay are in transition from their traditional subsistence economy to the modern cash economy. Salmon fishing is the region's main contribution to the cash economy and though many local people work in the in- dustry as fishermen and cannery workers, many
people in each village particiate in the sub- sistence activities they have known for years— fishing, hunting and trapping—each of which play an important role in the daily lives of the Eskimos,Aleuts,and Athabascan peoples that live
in Bristol Bay.
With the advent of the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act, the D-2 issue, and the myriad of other government affairs, local peo-
ple are worried that the traditional aspects of their lifestyles will be at stake. Although each village received a significant portion of land through the Land Claims Act, the people are still not used to having lines and boundaries drawn across traditional hunting and trapping grounds. The federal (D-2) land withdrawals will surely have a further impact on traditional lifestyles.
Bristol Bay villagers hope to maintain a lifestyle that is in harmony with the new way and the old
ways. They would like to continue to benefit
from the best of both worlds, and are willing to make concessions to be able to do so. Govern-
ment agencies involved in the region must be
aware of the unique situation existing in rural Alaskan villages today, and must be sensitive to
the needs of the peoples whose cultures have provided a way of life that has been in existence for many hundreds of years.
EDUCATION: wore residents of Bristol Bay are becoming aware of the funding sources
available to them for vocational training and higher education services.
Because there are no full-time training faci- lities or colleges within the region, prospective students must leave the area to meet educa- tional goals. Presently a broad range of courses
in both career and transfer curriculums and community service programs are offered
throughout the State of Alaska and in the lower forty-eight states.
Students vary from recent high school graduates through veterans and workers with several years experience, to older persons seek- ing new dimensions in their lives. This variety provides valuable learning experiences through social interaction both on campus and in the classroom. Educational techniques are needed to help every student determine realistic goals, discover personal abilities and interests and develop them to the fullest extent.
Andy Golia
—_——__—_—
V——_S—eeee— _— err
LAW: except for the few people charged with criminal offenses, Bristol Bay villagers did not have much contact with the legal system until Alaska Legal Services opened an office in Dil- lingham in 1974, primarily to help those seeking Native Allotments respond to the Bureau of Land Management.
The Limited Entry Act forced the legal system upon Bristol Bay but, unfortunately, for many it was too late. The application period for limited entry permits was in 1975 (before KDLG, the local radio station was in existence), and over 100 peo- ple lost their fishing rights for failure to timely apply, a significant number of local fishermen. Those who did apply learned the adversary system in administrative hearings, which were notable because they were often held in the villages.
The Comprehensive Training and Employment Act (CETA) began funding village police in 1979, but they are still limited by lack of funds, train- ing and facilities. Some villages are now begin- ning to seek local government grants from the Department of Community and Regional Affairs to hire lawyers to draft and review ordinances, and to work on other legal matters. The court system is presently considering creating a magistrate position for the village of Togiak, possibly creating a precedent for some of the other larger villages in the region.
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT: there are several types and Classes of local governments in
the Bristol Bay region. The only organized borough within the region is the Bristol Bay Borough which includes the villages of Naknek,
South Naknek and King Salmon. Because there is no regional municipal government in Bristol Bay,
the rest of the region is “unorganized” and con- sidered part of the “Unorganized Borough.” In addition to the borough, there are ten other general law municipalities under state law. Of these ten, Dillingham is the only first class municipal corporation.
As communities were encouraged to incor- porate for purposes of receiving state revenue
sharing and eligibility for other programs, nine villages incorporated as second class cities bet- ween 1969 and 1974: Togiak (1969); Manokotak
(1970); Clark's Point (1971); Newhalen (1971); Non- dalton (1971); New Stuyahok (1972); Port Heiden (1972); Aleknagik (1973); and Ekwok (1974).
The Bristol Bay Borough and ten municipal cor- porations are subject to the laws outlined in Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes which describe the general and regulatory powers of general law municipalities. The city council is the governing body of the municipal corporation and is usually composed of the mayor, city clerk, city treasurer, city manager and council members at large. In most of the cities in the region, the mayor and other elected officials perform the duties and functions of the city manager. Revenues generated by the second Class cities are largely dependent upon federal revenue
sharing, state revenue sharing and competitive grants. City administrators are sometimes hired by the city councils (often through CETA fun- ding) to assist in the administrative functions of running a city government. Although the regional non-profit native corporation (BBNA) has, for the past several years, provided training programs and delivered technical assistance to local governments in the areas of administrative and fiscal management, many problems still ex- ist for the second class cities in meeting the statutory obligations set forth in Title 29. Pnoto by Lynn Meyers
The remaining nineteen villages in Bristol Bay are unincorporated communities recognized
under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The traditional governing councils for these villages are recognized as Native governments
by the federal government which, for funding purposes, entitles them to BIA funding, Indian Self Determination Funds, and special HUD block
grants for Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives. The village council functions much in the same man-
ner as the second Class cities (without their legal status) in providing basic services to the
members of the community. The village council is usually composed of a president, vice presi- dent, secretary/treasurer and members at large. CETA funding is provided to the villages to hire
Bristol Bay
cHyenik Lake V °
IvanofBave ,
Chignik Lagoon
village administrators to assist the councils in
the management of government related village
affairs. Administrative and fiscal management
training is provided also by the Bristol Bay Native
Association to village administrators and council
members.
The village of Perryville is the only community in the Bristol Bay region that is officially recognized by the federal government as an IRA
Corporation under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The IRA deals exclusively with the Department of the Interior and other federal
agencies for the members of its corporation
which includes only the Native population of
Perryville.
Bristol Bay Region
| Nushagak Bay
Sub-Region
Aleknagik
Clark's Point
Dillingham
Ekuk
ll Nushagak River
Sub-Region
Ekwok
Koliganek
Levelock
New Stuyahok
Portage Creek
lll Togiak Bay
Sub-Region
Manokotak
Togiak
Twin Hills
Kvichak Bay IV Sub-Region
Egegik
King Salmon
Naknek
Pilot Point
Port Heiden
South Naknek
Ugashik
THE SUBREGIONS OF BRISTOL BAY
Bristol Bay Native Association has divided the
villages Of Bristol Bay into six subregions. Follow-
ing is a description of each village and its development priorities. ’
V lliamna Lake
Sub-Region
Igiugig
lllamna
Kokhanok
New Halen
Nondalton
Pedro Bay
vi Alaska Penin.
Sub-Region
Chignik
Chignik Lake
Chignik Lagoon
lvanof Bay
Perryville
NUSHAGAK BAY SUBREGION
Dillingham
Aleknagik
Clark's Point Ekuk
Above: Beaver Round-up, Dillingham.
Below: Dillingham boat harbor, June, 1980.
Photo by Andy Golia Photo by Lynn Meyers
DILLINGHAM: Population 1656
With a population reaching 1,700, Dillingham is the largest community in Bristol Bay. It is also the only first-class city in the region and is recog- nized as the “hub” of Bristol Bay. Numerous goods and services are provided in this com- munity, both for the benefit of its population and neighboring communities. Over the last few years, Dillingham has been considered one of the fastest growing communities in the state, taking into account the size of the community and the number of development projects recently introduced.
One major project recently completed was the construction of 50 low-income housing units, costing approximately $4.6 million, and made available by the Bristol Bay Housing Authority. With the rapid growth of Dillingham, lack of housing has plagued the community and the re- cent construction of the units will contribute to the continued growth of Dillingham. The Bristol Bay Housing Authority is also planning to in- troduce a 20-unit low-rent apartment complex, costing $1.6 million, in the near future.
Another major project undertaken recently has been the upgrading of the road system be- tween Kanakanak and Dillingham. The new road to Kanakanak, about one mile in length, has been completed, providing for better access to Kanakanak Hospital. The total project cost amounted to approximately $7 million and was funded by the State of Alaska.
The solid waste disposal site has been relocated about seven miles out on the Aleknagik Lake road, a considerable improve- ment over the old dumpsite which was located near the Dillingham Airport. During the summer months, sea gulls and ravens would gather at the old dumpsite in great numbers, posing a poten- tial threat to air traffic. Relocation costs amounted to $225,000.
The local airport has also been improved recently, with a larger apron and parking space provided. Local air traffic has grown substantial- ly over the last few years, and the need for an im- proved, longer airstrip is a pressing matter. The “small airport’ located in downtown Dillingham was recently closed due to the close proximity of
local buildings and air space conflicts. Increased air traffic at the current Dillingham airport, an in- crease of local residents acquiring aircraft, anda
substantial increase in the freight of salmon be-
ing flown out of Dillingham have all contributed
to the increasing activity at the airport.
During recent years, the Dillingham dock has been expanded and upgraded. In 1979 a total of 21 million pounds of freight was handled at the dock, seven million more pounds that the previous years, not including the movement of fish products. An all-tide dock had been pro- posed for construction at Snag Point, about 600 yards up-river from the present dock; but at a re- cent city council meeting, it was decided that the present dock should be expanded once again. It was felt that expansion of the present dock would be of better service than an all-tide dock. The expansion is expected to cost $4 million and the project will move to construc- tion soon.
The city is also involved in the construction of
a new grade school to be located near the ex- isting high school. The old grade school building
was built many years ago and certain sections of
the school have major deficiencies that need im- provement, including overcrowding which poses a serious fire hazard.
The Dillingham Overall Economic Development
Plan (OEDP) committee has identified the follow-
ing community development priorities:
EXPANSION OF THE PRESENT DOCK:
Due to the rapidly expanding activity of cash
fish buyers and floating processors and the in-
creasing amount of freight coming into Dil- lingham, the OEDP Committee feels that the ex-
pansion of the present dock and staging area is extremely important to the future economic development of Dillingham. As mentioned
previously, an all-tide dock has been proposed, but icing conditions in the area could pose a serious problem to such a dock.
Dillingham boat harbor.
UPGRADING OF THE PRESENT BOAT HARBOR:
It is felt that the present boat harbor is not
large enough to accommodate the growing
fishing fleet in Bristol Bay. Problems with moor- ing space are becoming even greater due to the emerging herring fishery at Togiak. Over 335
vessels have already been registered to use the existing boat harbor, and to accommodate more the harbor must be upgraded and expanded;
and more bulkheads, floating docks, and launch- ing ramps are needed. With the primary econo- mic base of Dillingham and its surrounding vil-
lages being the commercial salmon fishery, it is
important that the boat harbor be improved to meet the needs of the local fishing industry.
ACCESS ROADS BETWEEN DOCKS, HARBORS, AND THE AIRPORTS MUST BE IMPROVED:
Since increased surface transportation is oc- curring within the community due to the air
transportation of fresh salmon and numerous
construction projects being undertaken in the community, the OEDP committee feels that the access roads from the dock, boat harbor and air- port must be upgraded to meet the increased
usage. Each spring the roads are full of mud
holes, causing a great deal of difficulty for peo- ple trying to get to their boats and other work.
AIRPORT MUST BE LENGTHENED AND IMPROVED:
Increased air traffic due to a growing fresh salmon marketing industry, growing local
business needs, and construction projects have
all led to the need for the extension of the cur- rent airport. An expanded staging area, as well as a ramp, is also needed. The air shipment of salmon is extremely important to the communi-
ty, especially with the growing demand for fresh
fish worldwide. Several processors have also in-
dicated an interest in hauling herring from the Togiak fishing grounds to Dillingham to be flown
to reduction plants elsewhere in the state. Photo by Patty Beck
ALTERNATE ENERGY:
Legislative bills promoting the development
Of Lake Elva have been supported by the city council and the OEDP committee. The OEDP com- mittee has also supported the formation of a Regional Energy Authority which would work to develop major energy projects in the region. The committee is aware that Bristol Bay is too dependent upon fossil fuel, and see the need for government support in developing alternative
energy sources in the region.
OBSERVATIONS: Without question, Dillingham will continue to grow. The rapid changes the com- munity has experienced have caused problems that need immediate attention. The successful years of salmon fishing has sparked much econo- mic activity within the community.
Numerous community development projects have taken place in Dillingham and many more are currently being planned. The accomplish- ments of the community leaders should be recognized as they have been far reaching. The community does play an important role in the entire Bristol Bay region and the city council, OEDP committee members, and other city staff members have been very effective in analyzing the current economic constraints and needs of the community, and are actively working in try- ing to solve community problems.
Aleknagik
ALEKNAGIK: Population 227
Lake Aleknagik: Spring and Summer
Part | - Spring
It's good to hear the robin singing his morning song, nature come to life...As | wake in the morning, it is quiet...| look at the sunrise as its rays warm my face and look at the colorful reflection on the mountains and the lake.../ silently thank the Great Spirit for giving us another beautiful day...down below the loons greeting the day, breaking the stillness of the morning...their sounds send a shiver up my spine, and it gives me a good feeling to be here, alone with the world. Later on today | will take a walk and see the bua- ding of the Alder leaves, small blades of green grass, early spring flowers...Oh, if only we could live forever like this, with no schedules!...and just doing the necessities of surviving in a village. Sometimes, toward the end of the day, | feel tired, but it is a good kind of fatigue, relaxed type from simple, physical labor, and not from pressures we sometimes feel...As the sun begins to set, it seems to tell the world ''Goodnight’’.../ feel refreshed all over again! Watch the mountains turn pink, purple, red and orange, until the sun disap- pears behind the mountains and begins the day...
Part Il- Summer
There is so much to see this season...the Alder leaves are in full bloom and when you walk by them they per- fume the air with sweet-smelling freshness, the wild plants and flowers are everywhere you /ook...Even the mosquitos and bumblebees are buzzing around and seem to be enjoying the summer...the baby swallow birds are chirping in their little home-made birdhouses, as their mother flies back and forth most of the day, feeding the babies with insects and worms...Every once in a while, the red salmon jump up from the lake, and back into the water with a splash! The seagulls are flying above and seem content with themselves, cause there's a lot of food scraps of salmon eggs for them to munch on...my mouth waters as | think of the delicious ary fish and agootuk that we will soon have provided by nature itself... feel grateful that there will be salmonberries, huckleberries and blackberries this season...precious reminders of wonderful, good times of the summer...My eyes are tired, they have seen plen- ty today...there is so much to do while it is still summer, but they can wait, winter will be here soon enough!
Helen Chythlook
A village Of about 200 people, Aleknagik is located 25 miles north of Dillingham. A gravel road links the two communities. Aleknagik is situated at the mouth of the Wood River and village residents live on both the north and south shores of the Lake. Though one village, there are two schools. The post office is located on the south shore and the city office and health clinic on the north shore. During the winter, cars and snow machines can travel across the frozen lake to each side of the village; during the sum- mer, boats and skiffs link the north and south shores.
Aleknagik village leaders have identified several development priorities:
AIRPORT:
A major priority expressed by village leaders is the need for an airport located on the north shore of the village. There is only one small gravel airstrip on the south shore but it is privately owned and therefore not maintained by the state, and inaccessible during several months of the year, especially during spring “break-up.” Air taxis must land on the lake during the winter.
IMPROVED HOUSING:
Another important priority of the village is the need for improved housing. A Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) project is in the works for residents on the south shore and is pending a road access. North shore residents have waited in hopes of receiving state assistance, but now have begun building their homes. Prior to construction of new homes at North shore a water and sewer system must be installed.
WATER AND SEWER:
Although not a major concern of village residents, a water and sewer system could be considered another development priority, and would greatly improve health conditions in the village. Residents now get their water from the community hall and directly from the lake, though some have their own wells. Health condi- tions would certainly be improved witha central water and sewer system.
DUMP SITE:
The village has a dump site located on the north shore. There has been talk of moving the dump further away from the village, but no definite plans have been made. There is no dump site on the south shore, an inconvenience to south shore residents.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT:
Village leaders have expressed the need for heavy equipment to maintain the present dump, the roads and trails, and for future use on the proposed airport at North Shore.
OBSERVATIONS: Aleknagik has a lot of potential for developing a tourist industry as it is located just below the Wood River-Tikchik Lake state park, having some of the finest sport fishing in the state. The village corporation has recently subdivided an island in Lake Aleknagik for sale as recreational lots. There is question, however, of possible conflict between sports hunting and fishing use and traditional subsistence use of many residents.
Aleknagik
The many faces of Aleknagik
early morning sunrise on the lake pink mountains, blue sky
white lake
Reflections in the water cut in half by ice then fog which hides the peaks the imagination awakes.
Snow machines with dog sleds children hanging on the back boats frozen in place until the summer.
Aleknagik
forever white peaks
shining with reflections
Stillness and cold
peace and pleasure
color and shape
Pensive thoughts on a winter's night | remember you on cold nights
On warm days, clear blue and inviting
wide open and though free
Reflections in the lake and reflections within, the many faces of Aleknagik.
Lee Hill
CLARK’S POINT: Population 95
About 95 people live in the fishing community
of Clark's Point, perched precariously on the
eastern shore of Nushagak Bay, 15 miles south of
Dillingham. New housing, water, sewer, and a
community electrical system are among the
identified needs of Clark's Point, but implemen-
tation of these projects is contingent upon
relocating the village on higher, flood-secure
ground. Invariably combinations of strong
southwest winds and high tides produce
severe flooding of the village, and as recently as
August, 1980, floodwaters damaged several
homes and other structures. Flooding occurred
in 1979, 1974, and 1964, damaging homes and
washing out a road paralleling the beach. The
Public Health Service (PHS) has stated that it will
consider funding community water and sewer systems only if the village is relocated on the
high bluff overlooking the village’s present loca-
tion.
The following needs have been prioritized by
the community:
RELOCATION OF THE VILLAGE:
The flood of 1980 caused extensive damage to
homes and other buildings and washed out the
beach road; road and boat damage also oc-
curred in the fall flood of 1979. Construction of a mile long breakwater to protect the village
would be prohibitively costly; relocation on the
bluff is the only rational solution to the flooding
problem.
One family did build ahome on the bluff in the
fall of 1979, but an only modestly rewarding 1980
fishing season will probably prevent others who
wish to move from doing so without financial
assistance. An incomplete road to the new
selected village site is evidence Of previous at-
tempts to move. To complete this road, the
villagers need access to a loader, bulldozer and
dump truck. Gravel is available less than a
quarter mile from the village and is easily accessi-
ble.
ELECTRICITY:
Lacking a village-wide electrical system, several
Clark's Point families have installed individual
diesel generators and one family is experi-
menting with windmill-charged storage bat- teries for home electrical needs. There has been
discussion of linking the village to the school
10
generator, but its reliability is questionable; both a 100 KW and 25 KW plant at the school suf- fer frequent breakdowns. A central generation
system would be feasible once a majority of
families relocate, and this would make the pur- chase of electrical appliances such as water
pumps, freezers, refrigerators, washers and dryers practicable.
HOUSING:
Many of the homes in Clark's Point are old and in too poor condition to justify moving. It is
doubtful at present if many families could afford
the cost of construction of new homes. For several years the village has been anticipating
receiving assistance from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prelimi-
nary surveys for housing lots and well sites were
done in the summer of 1979, but construction of
homes has yet to begin. Housing needs are ap-
parent and would have to be considered in relo- cation.
WATER AND SEWER:
Rumors that the unique taste of Clark's Point's
community well water is the result of flavours imparted by a drowned cat are not confirmed.
When the Nushagak River rises, however, the
well is flooded with salt water and even though
the well is equipped with an electric pump powered by one family's diesel generator, most
Clark's Pointers prefer to hand dip and haul their
drinking water from a spring located at the
eastern extreme of the village. Community
water is used for washing, however, and sometimes for cooking.
Although at least one family has an indoor
toilet, the one other employs a chemical sanitary
system. In 1979 the school outhouse blew down
in a storm and it has yet to be rebuilt.
OBSERVATIONS: Clark's Point can be a “model”
village if it is relocated and the people are given
assistance with adequate housing, electricity,
and community water and sewer. Funds for relocation are vitally important and considera-
tion is asked as soon as possible, for the next
flood may be even greater and cause more
damage. It would be economcial to combine
Clark's Point with the village of Ekuk. The families
cannot undertake moving by themselves
because of the prohibitive cost. Financial assistance is badly needed.
EKUK: Population 20
Ekuk is located less than 20 miles south of Dil-
lingham, about two miles from Clark's Point. With a current population of about eleven peo-
ple, Ekuk is one of the smallest communities in Bristol Bay. Village population has declined dra-
matically over the last few years, in part at-
tributable to the low returns of salmon during
the early 1970's. As a result the village school was closed in 1974 and students now are sent to school in Clark's Point, about two miles north. During the summer, however, many families set
up fish camps at the village, and the little village
becomes alive again.
On a spit on the east side of Nushagak Bay, similar to Clark's Point, Ekuk faces seasonal
danger of flooding. This has caused the area to be considered a “high risk area," severely limiting the potential for funding village pro-
jects by government agencies. If some type of
assistance is not forthcoming, the population
may dwirdle to one family, the cannery watch- man's family.
Clark's Point
Photo by Fritz Jonnson The needs of the peopie of Ekuk:
RELOCATION OF THE VILLAGE:
Seasonal danger of flooding requires reloca-
tion of the village. The Nushagak River has
eroded much of the beach upon which the village stands. To construct a breakwater would
be too costly to attempt, and as at Clark's Point, relocation seems the only rational solution.
Relocation would also provide local employment opportunities and open revenues for funding
from government agencies. Funds for relocation
are urgently needed.
COMMUNITY WELL:
Villagers rely entirely upon the local cannery
for water and request funds for a separate com-
munity well. If the local cannery stops supplying
water to the villagers, no water source would be
available.
RECREATIONAL HALL AND HEALTH AIDE:
With about 500 to 600 people moving to Ekuk
for commercial and subsistence fishing each
summer, and many arriving to work at the can-
nery, the need for a recreation center and
health aide is apparent. During the closed
seasons, fishermen and cannery workers are unoccupied and often indulge heavily in alcohol.
A heaith aide is needed during the summer
season as serious injuries occur when everyone
works, especially with the cannery workers who
work daily with machines. The hazardous condi- tions of salmon fishing also induce fatique and
eventually injuries which need the attention of a
health aide. No health aide is needed during the winter for work comes to a halt and the popula-
tion diminishes.
OBSERVATIONS: With the need for relocation for
both Clark's Point and Ekuk, and the short two
miles separating the villages, an ideal solution
would be to construct a “model” village at one
selected site. The cost would be reduced, and
the needs of both villages could be fulfilled at
the same time.
NUSHAGAK RIVER SUBREGION
Ekwok
Koliganek
Levelock
New Stuyahok
Portage Creek
Garden in Ekwok, Mrs. Hurley Photo by Patty Beck = w EKWOK: Population 103
EKWOK ; The second, surviving village, set against
the elbow of a mighty confluence
Waking at eight, to feel through impending encroachment. Compelled by faith in youth,
a future hidden in youth. -
Dogs and sleds, mushing home while _ sno-gos race to meet the incoming mail. Home to eats, resting before the steam. To Uncle Freddie's for stinky-heads, warm hearts, and night, many nights, dreaming of freedom.
Mark Siegars
Compared to some villages in Bristol Bay, the village of Ekwok is in fairly good condition. Just over 100 people live in this village on the Nushagak River.
Ekwok is one of the few villages in the region that is fortunate to have good roads. Gravel can be found everywhere and such deposits are easi- ly accessible to the village. Many of the homes have been built on three to four feet of gravel and therefore have no difficulties with per- mafrost.
The village has adequate electrical power. Recently a new 30 KW generator was installed and provides electricity to all connected house- holds. The village received funds from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Depart- ment of Community and Regional Affairs for a new generator and powerplant building and is now seeking additional funding for a standby generator.
A community hall was completed in 1971 and though there is an old recreation hall, a new elementary through eighth grade school was completed in 1980 and the gym is used for a recreation center. There is no high school in the village and village leaders prefer to send their high school students to be educated in larger schools in other areas to gain better educational opportunities. There is no cooperative store in the village, but there is a private store currently serving village needs.
_ Village leaders have expressed several needs; in order of priority they are:
AIRPORT EXTENSION, CROSS-STRIP AND LANDING LIGHTS:
If the present airstrip was extended 400 feet, a flying boxcar would be able to land at the village, bringing in more goods and thus cutting ship- ping costs for lumber, groceries, etc., and alleviating somewhat the high cost of living in Ekwok.
Even more important, however, is a cross-strip runway. The strong winds are generally from the Southeast, but the runway runs Northeast to Southwest, making it dangerous and difficult for planes to land during bad weather. The village has had a request in to the State of Alaska to assist in building a cross-strip for several years.
Obtaining gravel for an extension to the run- way and for the construction of a cross-strip would be no problem. Gravel deposits are found in great abundance throughout the village area. Funding of landing lights also are being sought for emergency use.
WATER AND SEWAGE:
Since most homes are located quite a distance apart, private cesspools are more economical than a central sewer system. Several homes that are located close together could jointly under- take cesspools. It should be recognized that many of the homes have only dug eight to twelve feet for water and therefore private cesspools cannot be built under them. It will be more feasible for these particular homes to con- nect their sewer lines to a large cesspools built an adequate distance away from their wells.
The village has requested assistance from the Public Health Service since 1975 for help in in- stalling a water system in the village. Several homes have hand pumps in their homes, but others haul water from the school.
FIRE BUILDING AND TRUCK:
The village population has been increasing steadily and more and more families are building homes within the village, yet there is no fire pro- tection whatsoever. With over 100 people living in Ekwok and approximately 25 families and homes, the village leaders emphasize the need for a firehall and fire truck. The villagers fear that homes may be destroyed by fire since most families burn stove oil and everyone uses elec- tricity in their homes.
NEW HEALTH CLINIC:
The existing health clinic is located in a small room in part of the community office building. The village feels that a new clinic is needed, one with a waiting room in a separate building, in order to provide better health care to its peo- ple.
OBSERVATIONS: Ekwok villagers are independent and take advantage of their rich and beautiful surroundings by hunting, trapping, and fishing for subsistence. They are people who like to work for what they get. The people have a lot of pride and will accomplish many things.
Children of Ekwok Photo by Patty Beck Photo by Patty Beck
KOLIGANEK:
Population 142
—————
Koliganek to come upon you is a time warp ; from before the white man’s ways that have left but a little mark | You say you cannot make it this way not here? . Only trap and hunt and fish in Goa's playground Is that why you're away from home in this city or town to make it before you return home someday but not now, young ones, ; to go home is only to hunt and trap and fish.
Patty Beck
Koliganek
Photo by Patty Beck Photo by Patty Beck iS Located the farthest north of the Nushagak
River villages, Koliganek is mainly dependent upon the fishing industry for its cash income.
Probably the best beaver trappers in the world
live in Koliganek, the villagers supplement their
income with fur trapping, subsistence hunting
and fishing.
The village has a Southwest Region School
District elementary and high school and a com-
munity hall. There is a central water system anda
central village generator, providing most of the
families with electricity. About 20 homes are
located within the village but many are in need
of rehabilitation. The villagers have requested
assistance in funding a housing program from
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) since 1972, but these requests have not yet
been successful.
There has been a slight increase in population in recent years, and it is probable that more
families will return to this and other villages on
the Nushagak since they consider it difficult to
live in “urban” areas.
The following development priorities have been expressed by the village:
FRESH FISH MARKET:
With the abundance of fresh water fish species
ranging from dolly varden, pike, whitefish,
brook trout and grayling, the villagers feel that a
small marketing system can be effectively
established at Koliganek. Near the village are
miles and miles of rivers, creeks and sloughs. A
small fresh water fish production and marketing
system could be feasible, and would make available employment opportunities for many
of the local villagers.
FREEZING UNIT:
Once a fresh water fish market has been
established, a freezing unit would be another profitable economic opportunity. This facility
would give villagers the opportunity to keep their fish until their supply is adequate to meet market demands, and a good price can be ob-
tained.
EXTENSION OF AIRPORT:
A cross-strip runway was constructed in 1977, and the airport is in fairly good condition, but if a fresh water fish marketing operation is deter- mined feasible to introduce, an extension to the existing strip would be necessary. Such an exten- sion would create opportunities for a better marketing structure because larger aircraft would be able to land at the airport. Transporta- tion costs would be cut significantly. Not only would it be beneficial to a fishing industry, but importing and exporting of goods to the village could be accomplished more economically.
LOCAL ROADS AND TRAILS:
The present road system in the village is inade- quate. Roads need regravelling and a new road and bridge needs to be constructed where the old one is falling apart. A more complete road system is badly needed for the new homes that are being constructed away from the center of the village. Wet weather quickly erodes the roads that do not have adequate gravel and thus the system becomes sloppy and difficult to maintain. The access road to the dump site also
needs extending and improving.
OBSERVATIONS: Koliganek is an ideal place to begin a fresh fish marketing business. It would complement the present Bristol Bay fisheries and give an alternate market to local fishermen; while diversifying the industry and giving some local control over the industry. It should be ex- amined in depth and involve the planning of the local villagers. Village leadership has been strong during the last few years, and will be a great asset to any future economic development pro- jects the village pursues.
15
LEVELOCK: Population 90
LEVELOCK Roads are mud rivers when spring snow is melting but river's still frozen so we landed on the ice spruce tree lined airstrip after circling over
the village with engine whining we're here.
Kvichak water puddles from cracks | stepped over a sno-go comes pulling a long sled down from a mud hill to carry me up to the village, by
Willow paths over a hill into muskeg paths, road rivers broken by dogs and sleds years before the motor the only sound in the still white snow...
Patty Beck
The village of Levelock is located north of Naknek on the Kvichak River which runs into Bristol Bay. About 90 people live in this village, Athabascan, Eskimo, and Aleut, with Aleuts mak- ing up the majority.
Levelock's homes and public buildings are scat- tered across the village, unlike many villages in the region where buildings are centrally located. The people value their privacy and space. Located close to some of Bristol Bay's largest salmon runs, villagers derive most of their cash incomes from fishing, and many people leave the village in the summer to fish in the Kvichak
and Nushagak Bays.
In 1979 a new high school was added to the ex- isting elementary school. Unfortunately the gym is used mainly as a classroom, but the village has a recreation hall, built in 1973, run by the “Levelock Youth Association'""—a group of high school students who are in charge of the center and its activities. The community hall is used for village council and corporation affairs. There is no cooperative store, but there is a small private store. Recently the village was granted funds to construct 15 new homes under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) pro- gram.
The village council has prioritized several needs:
AIRPORT EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT:
The village has great need for a new improved
airport. The village is inaccessible during several weeks of the year. The airstrip has a sand base and quickly deteriorates when it rains. Mail ser- vice is often delayed for weeks. Large aircraft are
unable to land because of the soft runway, rais- ing transportation costs. A new improved air-
port would provide temporary yet important employment for the villagers and is considered
the top development priority, as it has been the last several years.
DOCK AND BOAT HARBOR:
The small dock that Levelock has had for many
years has not been considered adequate, and recently a storm washed what was left away. This
has presented a very serious situation for the
villagers as there is no place for them to tie up
their boats and skiffs; no place for them to
shelter their boats during bad weather, or to
unload cargo from barges during the summer. A project for joint funding of a boat harbor and
dock is encouraged and sought urgently by the village council.
WATER AND SEWER:
An adequate water and sewer system is
another priority for the village. Although the
new HUD houses will be hooked up to a water
and sewer system, the rest of the village homes
are without running water. Most people have
outhouses and get their water from private wells. A water and sewer system is badly needed
to improve living and health conditions in the
village. The Public Health Service (PHS) should be
approached to assist the village of Levelock in raising their standard of living. Es a Zan 4 TA
ELECTRIFICATION:
Assistance in funding generator transformers has been requested by the village. Many of the village people are purchasing electrical conve-
niences such as water pumps, washers and dryers, refrigerators, and available power is not sufficient to meet village needs. The village has
two 50 KW central generators to which many
homes have been hooked up. The recreation hall
and community center are using school power at present. Transmission lines are needed to
hook up the recreation and community halls to
central power, and to hook up the airport and dock when reconstructed.
ROADS AND TRAILS:
The existing roads and trails are in sad shape. The roads are more like rivers than roads and during breakup and other bad weather are inac-
cessible. The village, as mentioned before, is rather spread out, enhancing the problem. State
agencies are welcomed to assist Levelock in this
badly needed improvement. The dump access
road goes out during breakup as well. The village has a new dumpsite picked out, but needs an ac- cess road built to it.
OBSERVATIONS: Levelock is another Bristol Bay
village that is dependent on the salmon fishery
to maintain their economy. They are also typical
in the fact that their village infrastructure must be improved before they can seek alternate
means of economic development. Levelock would be an ideal location to set up a commer-
cial smokehouse/specialty seafoods operation,
as it sits on a river with some of the largest
salmon runs in the Bay and the local people are
looking to diversify their economy.
Mushing the Dillingham Beaver Roundup
rey y “ Photo by Andy Golia
NEW STUYAHOK: Population 300
The community of New Stuyahok is the largest village located on the Nushagak River, other than the City of Dillingham. The community is a second-class city and has a population of 300. New Stuyahok is located about 50 miles north- east of Dillingham, about 10 miles from the village of Ekwok. Mostly southern Yup'ik Eskimos make up the community and the native tongue is used by most people, even the young children. The local school's bilingual program helps to preserve the native language in the village.
The village recently constructed a $225,000 village affairs office building funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Develop- ment Administrative (EDA), which is used exten- sively by the village council and corporation. A high school was recently constructed, and the gymnasium is used for sports activities and other recreational events.
There are two 150 KW generators in the village, supplying most of the electrical needs of the
people, but there is indication that there is need for upgrading the generator facility to meet the
needs of local growth. The community does
have the potential of establishing a small-scale hydroelectric power site near the village, but
would need help from the Department of Energy (DOE) and other state and federal agen- cies for feasibility studies and other assistance. Among other services available in New Stuyahok is a small private store, a cooperative store anda taxi cab company.
The following development needs have been recognized by the village council:
EQUIPMENT:
Funding for a dump truck and fire truck is an important priority at New Stuyahok. ,Develop- ment cannot take place without proper equip- ment. Construction and maintenance of airports and roads depends on the availability of working equipment and long delays are caused when equipment has malfunctioned.
17
The dump truck is needed to haul garbage ana gravel to maintain the roads and trails of the
village. The fire truck is needed badly, villagers
fear that fire will Soon destroy homes.
POST OFFICE:
More and more villagers have been requesting
a post office building with postal boxes. This is
important particularly because of the expansion of new families and increase in population. It is felt that the present postal service which is handled in a private home is inadequate.
AIRPORT EXTENSION AND CROSS-STRIP:
With a local co-op funded by Community Enterprise Development Corporation (CEDC), the prices for goods are beyond reality. Groceries
must be flown from Anchorage to Dillingham and then to New Stuyahok. If the airport was ex- tended, goods could be shipped directly from Anchorage, alleviating much of the shipping
cost. This would be an expensive project, however, as there is a 600 foot drop on each side
of the runway. The only alternative would be to
construct a cross-strip. Such construction would be no probiem for the site is fairly level and
would not pose an unreasonable cost to build. At
present, the airport is in desperate need of
gravel and has been for quite some time. During the spring, the runway is unusable and the village is cut off from air traffic causing delays in
goods shipments and mail service.
New Stuyahok in spring
Photo by Patty Beck ROAD IMPROVEMENTS:
Gravel is needed for the present roads and trails with special consideration for the access road to the dumpsite. The main concern of the villagers is that the dumpsite access road be gravelled. The present dump site is in adequate condition and does not need expansion.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING:
As the airport is located quite a distance from the village and having no natural barriers from the wind, rain and snow, a small terminal building with adequate heat, lights and space is needed. Such a terminal building could also pro- vide storage for mail, luggage, groceries, etc.
STREET LIGHTS:
With the long winter months and short daylight hours, street lighting would provide a safer evening atmosphere. Enough power is available from village generators to set up a street light system. The only need would be wir- ing, street lamps and poles for the lights.
OBSERVATIONS: New Stuyahok is the second largest village in Bristol Bay next to Togiak (ex- cept for Dillingham and Naknek). It has been growing just as Togiak has been growing. Many of the young educated people are returning to the village to become involved in the village council, village corporation and other village af- fairs. If this continues, New Stuyahok can expect to achieve village development and become a
more attractive place for young people to live. The village has maintained its traditions well and is ‘the pride” of Bristol Bay.
Russian Orthodox Church, New Stuyahok
Photo by Andy Golia 18
PORTAGE CREEK: Population 80
PORTAGE CREEK
It's called Portage Creek on the Nushagak Just below Ekwok and over your back
It's perched atop a grasy hill and beholds a view, your eyes to fill A subsistence life of mammals and fish It's more than enough to fill the dish
then it's time to ready for the mighty King The people of the village are as nice as can be
But to find out how nice, you best come and see. Portage Creek on the Nushagak Just below Ekwok and over you back.
Dave Bogart
Portage Creek is the first village located on the Nushagak River from Dillingham, about 30 miles west. About 80 people live in the village. Portage Creek received its name from the fact that travellers to the villages further up the Nushagak would often camp there overnight.
In comparison to most other Bristol Bay villages, Portage Creek lacks many things. In the past there has been slow progress on projects such as water and sewer, adequate housing, good road conditions, proper garbage disposal, etc. Many of the village leaders have been elderly people who mainly speak the Yup'ik dialect of the Eskimo language and whose education has been in the ways of the land, not in formal learn- ing. During the last several years, however, younger leaders have been focusing on village affairs and the village is beginning to awaken in an economic sense.
The Southwest Region School district has an elementary school up to the eighth grade in the village. High school students are sent to New Stuyahok, Dillingham and Mt. Edgecumbe in southeast Alaska for their secondary education. There is a concern about the students that leave the village for education that they will return eventually to Portage Creek.
The following development needs are the
most important:
COMMUNITY WELL:
The Public Health Service (PHS) has planned, in
the past, to dig a community well, but have in- dicated they have had trouble getting their heavy equipment to the village. The village peo- ple have, until now, been able to use the school
well. One can easily recognize though, that the
community needs a public well because so many
of the homes are located quite a distance from
the river, and river water is not really suitable for
drinking.
SEWER:
Most families in Portage Creek use outhouses.
It is quite apparent that installing a sewer system and water system would not be too costly
because the homes are concentrated in two cen- tralized groups. If such a system was planned,
two separate systems would be feasible to
undertake because the village is “split” by a large hill in the center of the village. Approximately
one-half of the village is situated on each side of
this hill.
COOPERATIVE STORE:
There is no private store within the village. All
groceries, lumber and other necessities of life are purchased from Dillingham. This forces the villagers to fly to Dillingham about once a month
for shopping. A few travel by snowmachines dur- ing the winter. A cooperative store would save
time, money and effort in purchasing required goods.
19
AIRPORT EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT:
Although there is much needed and frequent
air service to Portage Creek throughout the year, the airport is very short, unusable during
spring breakup, and dangerously soft during wet
weather. The airport must be regravelled, and
extended so that larger planes with larger shipments of goods can land. The Alaska Depart- ment of Transportation and Public Facilities
should be approached for their assistance in this project.
OBSERVATIONS: The population of Portage Creek has expanded during the last several years. This may be due to the fact that Portage Creek is
located fairly close to Dillingham, yet is far
enough in the “bush” so the people are not liv- ing in an “urban” area.
A new health center is being built and the
village has a community hall with a village telephone. Village leaders may be gained from
the new families that are moving into the
village, helping to improve village living condi- tions and raising the standard of living.
Heading up the Nushagak Photo by Andy Golia
TOGIAK BAY SUBREGION ee ee
Manokotak
Togiak
Twin Hills
Harvesting herring roe on kelp.
MANOKOTAK: Population 280
Deserted Manokotak, rock takes stock, listens to mosquitos whir (their only supper’s made of fur) and waits to get her people back from fish camp on the Nushagak.
Get the fish picked, quick, they're homesick in Iguishik
Cristy Willer
Manokotak, one of the “youngest” villages in Bristol Bay, is also one of the fastest growing. Located approximately 22 miles southwest of Dillingham on the Igushik River which flows into the Nuhagak River, most of its people are Yup’'ik Eskimos who speak their Native dialect. Yup'ik is the dominant language of the village, a situation which requires interpreters for outsiders to con- vey information to the village council.
The first building in Manokotak was built in the 1940's, and since then many more homes and structures have been constructed. In 1978 a new community hall, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Aa- ministration (EDA), was constructed, housing the village telephone and giving village leaders a Place to conduct community affairs. There is a separate health clinic and recreation hall in the village. Southwest Regional School District recently added a high school to the existing elementary school so high school students no longer have to attend schools outside the village. Manokotak has a cooperative store and a private store serving the villagers. Within the last Photo by ADF&G
several years a community generator was in- stalled and so many of the homes have the elec- tricity they so badly need.
Several needs are evident in Manokotak:
BULK FUEL STORAGE TANKS:
According to the village council, a fuel storage
and service station is strongly needed. Constant
trips to Dillingham for fuel is expensive, inconve-
nient and cuts into valuable trapping time for
the villagers during the winter. Prices are
skyrocketing, making it particularly difficult for
low income families to purchase fuel in bulk
before winter when it is barged up. With a bulk
fuel storage facility, fuel would then be made available through the year.
CITY JAIL:
There is no city jail in the village and according
to the village council, one is needed. The people Of Manokotak are highly conservative and
alcohol is forbidden. It is a strongly traditional village; for example, no dances can be held without the village council's approval.
POST OFFICE BUILDING:
A post office with postal boxes has been re- quested by the village council. The present
system causes many inconveniences for the
villagers because the office is located in a private
home. With the expansion and growth of this
village, the need for a new postal facility is more evident every year.
Main Street, Manokotak
OBSERVATIONS: Manokotak’s people are very in-
terested in improving the living conditions in
their village. With new homes being built each
year, a central electrical system, a community
well, a cooperative store, and other services, Manokotak is becoming an attactive place for other people from nearby villages to live. There
is every indication that the village will continue to grow.
There is potential for the villagers to begin a
reindeer herding industry, for elders who
herded reindeer years ago still reside in the
village. With the radios, snowmachines and air-
craft being introduced, a modern reindeer
herding industry could be started. There is also
potential for starting a Native arts and crafts
enterprise. The only difficulty is in establishing
an effective marketing system so the villagers can get a good price for their handmade items.
Recently village officials have contracted for a cable television system which will bring in as many as 20 different channels, the first of its kind in Bristol Bay. The system will soon be in- stalled in Manokotak. Photo by Debbie Nielsen
TOGIAK: Population 474
TOGIAK Togiak is the place to be such beautiful scenery to see Clear blue waters rippling phosphorous sparkling and shining Walrus Island plenty and full and so very beautiful Round Island not far away with Walrus at bay herring fishing grounds are here and the silvers, you can bet are near | can't wait to go back such a beautiful place is Togiak!
Debbie Nielsen
Togiak is the fourth largest community in Bristol Bay, and a second Class city, one of the five existing in the region. Mainly Yup'ik Eskimo people reside in the village and the Native tongue is widely used.
Ever since the construction of a salmon can- nery across the river from the village in the early 1960's, the local fishery has become the main livelinood of the village people. The local salmon runs are not as heavy as the Nushagak and Kvichak River runs, but the season is relatively long. The commercial fishing season usually begins in early June and ends by early Septem- ber. The nearby herring fishery, the State's largest herring fishery, has given new fishing op- portunities to local people. Many residents own 24 to 26 foot fishing vessels and can easily par- ticipate in the fishery.
A $254,000 “village affairs” office building has been recently constructed in the village through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The building provides office space for the IRA traditional village council, the city ad- ministrators, and the village corporation. There is also a city jail in the building. Water and sewer were introduced to Togiak in 1976 by the Public Health Service (PHS) to accommodate the 30 low- income housing units constructed in 1974 by the Briston Bay Housing Authority (BBHA), in con- junction with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
22
The State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has plans to relocate the com- munity airport in 1981. The present airport is located near the center of the village and with the village's continuing growth, is beginning to pose serious safety problems. The recent in- crease in air traffic of fresh salmon out of the village also gives rise to the need for relocation of the airport.
Community leaders have identified the follow- ing projects as priorities for development:
RELOCATION OF THE VILLAGE:
severe winds and high tides last fall caused much flooding within the community, and much damage to the waterfront. Smokehouses, fish racks as well as fishing boats were lost, and several homes damaged. The village leaders strongly feel that the village homes located near the waterfront must be moved away from the beach area. The homes could be put on skids and moved, yet funding assistance would be needed.
ROADS AND TRAILS:
Due to the increase of village traffic caused bv fresh fish buyers hauling salmon from the beach area to the airport, many of the local roads have deteriorated. An increasing number of cars and trucks are also being introduced to the com- munity and as each year passes the local roads and trails are in greater need of upgrading. Huge mud puddles can be found throughout the village during spring break up and gravel needs to be hauled and placed in many areas.
Togiak
Photo by Debbie Nielsen
DUMPSITE:
The village leaders feel that the current dump- site is too small and in need of relocation. Plans must be made immediately to relocate the dumpsite or it will pose a serious threat to the community health. The dumpsite should be located further away from the village, enclosed by a fence, and having a good access road.
BULK FUEL STORAGE:
Since 1975, the installation of bulk fuel storage facilities in the community has been a village priority. Each year the need for such tanks
becomes more evident due to the growing number of vehicles, outboard motors, and com- mercial fishing boats. Several years ago a
feasibility study was conducted by the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Deve- lopment, Division of Economic Enterprise, which stated that the need for such storage facilities was present, even though the initial costs would be rather expensive.
OBSERVATIONS: A well-coordinated effort to establish markets for local herring fishermen should be undertaken immediately. The local fishermen could successfully enter the new com- mercial fishery if markets were made available to them. Togiakers are professional fishermen and could easily participate successfully in the herring fishery which is expected to thrive near the community for many years to come. Perhaps a locally situated shore-based processing facility could be located in Togiak, not only giving more
markets but also providing more employment
opportunities for local people.
Gillnet herring harvest Photo by ADF&G 23
TWIN HILLS: Population 75
The community of Twin Hills is located several miles from Togiak, near the mouth of the Twin Hills River. It is one of the smaller communities of Bristol Bay, with predominately Yup'ik Eskimo people. The village was founded in 1964 after severe flooding took place in Togiak. Those families who experienced much damage moved their homes to Twin Hills, seeking higher ground. Since then, the community has been steadily growing.
A recreation and health clinic was constructed in 1975, both material and labor costs coming from state and federal disaster monies made available in 1974, when Bristol Bay was declared an economic disaster area due to the poor salmon returns experienced in the early 1970's. In December, 1976, the local school was destroyed by fire and was reconstructed the following fall. RCA has installed an earth station- satellite, but the village still experiences difficul- ty with the telephone, causing a severe lack of communications at times.
A post office has recently been introduced in the community, having been a priority develop- ment project for many years. Prior to the new post office, villagers had to travel to Togiak by snowmachine or skiff to pick up their mail. There is nO community store in the village and people must acquire their needed goods from Togiak, the local cannery, or they must fly to Dillingnam. The villagers also mail order much of their goods.
The community leaders have identified the following projects as community development priorities:
CROSS STRIP RUNWAY:
The villagers feel there is need for a cross strip on the local airstrip. The only means of transpor- tation out of the village during the winter months is by air; travel by snowmachine to Dill- ingham is much too far. Weather conditions are often such that they are severe enough to pre- vent airplanes from landing on the existing airstrip.
COMMUNITY GENERATOR: COMMUNITY HALL:
The village has recently acquired a generator
for summer use, when the local school is closed
down. The generator is too small and does not provide the needed power to satisfy the com-
munity needs. If the commmunity could acquire a large enough generator to provide power to
the local school, a village cooperative could then be formed to successfully manage this project.
BULK FUEL STORAGE:
Similar to Togiak, Twin Hills residents want to
install several bulk fuel storage tanks in the com-
munity in order to have year-round access to
fuel. Currently the villagers utilize 55 gallon
drums to haul and store fuel, and many of the
villagers cannot afford to purchase a large fuel
supply in the fall to last throughout the winter.
Towards late winter and spring, many of the people run out of fuel.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS:
The villagers are working to improve their ex- isting homes. They feel the homes are not in need of replacement, but many would like to
have the foundations of their homes renovated
and gravel placed under them.
ROADS AND TRAILS:
The local roads and trails snould be improved, including the access road to the dumpsite.
Villagers would like to see a road built to link
them to the nearby Togiak cannery. During the
summer months, the villagers commute fre-
quently to the cannery for business; it is located
no more than three miles from the village.
DUMPTRUCK:
Another development priority the village
leaders have identified is a dump truck, which is
needed to haul garbage and gravel as required.
The vehicle could also be used for maintenance
of the local roads and trails, including the local
airport.
24
The leaders have also identified the need for a
community hall. The community is currently us- ing the recreation hall as a meeting center, but it provides a poor working environment for village leaders. Much of the recreation equipment must
be moved each time village leaders have a meeting. The people would also like a better place to store their important community
documents.
OBSERVATIONS: Only one person in the communi-
ty has directly benefitted from the nearby Togiak herring fishery. Similar to Togiak, many of
the villagers own 24 to 26 foot vessels which could be used in the gillnet herring fishery, yet
the people lack fish markets. Several villagers
have tried to participate in the nearby herring ert: only to find they could not market their
ish.
Twin Hills Photo by Jeff Moxie
KVICHAK BAY SUBREGION
Naknek
South Naknek Egegik
Pilot Point
Ugashik
Port Heiden
FIRST VISIT TO THE ALASKA PENINSULA
Below King Salmon lies a mysterious and somewhat forboding portion of Bristol Bay. Appropriately Known as the Alaska Peninsula, it is a land of water, tundra, volcanoes, Caribou, bears and tenuous footholds of human habitation.
Flying in it for the first time enroute to Port Heiden, | was accompanied by an uneasiness. Despite the ap- parent good weather, | kept looking over my shoulder to see that our weather door was not closing. Truly good flying weather occurs only between the inces- sant procession of low pressure systems up the Aleu- tians and can last as little as a few hours. It‘is not a place to squander good weather unless low ceilings, minimal visibility and gale winds are enjoyed.
But, because of this, solitude usually abides in an area larger than several states which is exotic as any place on Earth. A glimpse of Venus as the clouds part. A Place of oceans, land, and sky in conflict. And, when at rest, showing a beauty that can best be described as crystaline. The same feeling that comes with clear weather and oxygen around Mt. McKinley. A feeling of privilege to be and see—but don't drink too deeply.
Robert Wagstaff
25
NAKNEK: Population 350
ES
Hammond, Ostroski
Angasan
Red Dog, Fish
Beaver McMilland
Naknek is located about 60 miles southeast of Dillingnam on the Naknek River. It is the head- quarters of the Bristol Bay Borough, the first and still the smallest borough in the state. The borough governs three communities, Naknek, south Naknek, and King Salmon, a 1,200 square mile area, and employs a staff of ten.
Unlike many other Bristol Bay communities, the village of Naknek is not entirely dependent upon the salmon fishery for its economic base. There is alternative employment opportunities at King Salmon, located about 14 miles-east of Naknek. The two communities are linked by a paved road, the only in the Bay. The King Salmon Air Force Base, the FAA station and air taxi ser- vices provide employment, and the services in Naknek provide additional employment.
The Bristol Bay Borough School District offers education from Kindergarten through high school and corollary employment for teachers, administrators and staff. There are two general stores, two restaurants, two bars, fuel distributors, a civic center, a movie theater and other recreational facilities located in Naknek. second only to Dillingham, these facilities pro- vide the highest concentration of job oppor- tunities and goods and services in the Bristol Bay region.
The village, considering its future economic
development, sees the following development
projects as important to its people:
BOAT HARBOR AND DOCK:
A public dock project has been submitted to
the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic
Development Administration (EDA) for funding.
It is already in preliminary construction phases,
and is also to be funded by the State of Alaska
and the Bristol Bay Borough. The dock and boat
harbor will serve many local and “outside” fishermen during the busy summer salmon
fishery season and is expected to contribute
dramatically to the area's economy by offering a long needed service. The area has waited many
years for such a facility as until now no adequate boat harbor has existed in the area.
WATER AND SEWER:
There is no public water or sewer system in the Bristol Bay Borough. A community water system
is still several years from reality. Most homes
have their own water wells at the present time and rely on outhouses for waste disposal. Public
Health Service (PHS) assistance has been re-
quested in this important project.
FREEZING FACILITY TO MARKET FRESH FISH:
An excellent economic opportunity for
Naknek could be the harvest and marketing of
fresh fish. When fresh frozen salmon is becom- ing more and more in demand, as opposed to
the traditional canned salmon, it is an excellent
opportunity for local involvement and control in
the fishing industry. If this potential industry is
to be developed, a freezing unit is essential. Such
a unit would open possibilities for the villages to
retain their higher quality fish until a favourable
marketing situation has developed.
WORKSHOP:
A workshop for technical and vocational train-
ing for individuals to learn mechanical and
carpentry work is desperately needed. This
would help to boost the human resources
morale and provide the necessary skills to con-
struct houses and other buildings and maintain
the heavy equipment in the area. A technical
training course should be incorporated into the
local high school, making an adequate number
of skilled tradespersons available for local needs.
26
OBSERVATIONS: Naknek has the potential to become a regional transportation, trade and ser-
vice center. The community system is adequate, one of the only villages in the region with an adequate telephone system. With im- provements to the water and sewer systems, and improved housing, the economy is bound to improve, making life more attractive to its cur-
rent residents and attracting new residents. Naknek is fortunate to have several services that are not available to many of the smaller com- munities, including an electric cooperative,
medical services and fire and police protection.
King Salmon
Naknek
NPS Photo by Williams Photo by Patty Beck
SOUTH NAKNEK: Population 160
The village of South Naknek is the smallest community in the Bristol Bay Borough. A unique factor of the village is that it is geographically isolated form the Borough by the Naknek River. This isolation has affected the community
somewhat through lack of consistent Borough
support on projects offering economic develop- ment opportunities. Air travel, which is expen-
sive and affected by weather, is the most consis-
tent and reliable form of travel between South
Naknek and the other Borough communities of
Naknek and King Salmon. There is no bridge
across the Naknek River.
The governing body of South Naknek is in the form of a tribal council. Through this council, the
village is eligible to receive federal revenue shar-
ing monies which enable the council to offer in-
cidental employment. Part-time jobs through
these monies include street and road mainte-
nance and garbage clean-up positions.
Borough funds in South Naknek have been provided for the construction and maintenance of an elementary school and gym. High school students must be flown to Naknek everyday to attend school. Winter and spring conditions often make it impossible to fly students across the river, causing them to miss many days of school each year.
Recently 15 new Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income houses were constructed in South Naknek. The Public Health Service (PHS) have installed a water and sewer system. The existing airport has been ex- tended recently. A date for the installation of in-
dividual telephone service is being negotiateqd— at present, the village is dependent on one
phone located in the village council building. Plans are also being negotiated with the borough for a fire station and efficient fire fighting equipment.
The village has a fair size, though old, com- munity hall, a separate health clinic, a private store and bar. There are several projects that could be introduced to South Naknek to im- prove community living conditions:
27
BRIDGE:
If a bridge were built across the Naknek River, linking South Naknek to Naknek and King Salmon, many of South Naknek's needs would be eliminated and the high cost of living would radically decline. The three Borough villages would then be able to share public and private facilities; the people of South Naknek would gain more use from the new dock and boat harbor being built at Naknek. Other benefits would in- clude the ability of South Naknek high school students to drive to school instead of flying, often in bad weather. If a bridge were intro- duced, the economic development oppor- tunities of South Naknek would be considerably enhanced.
SMALL BOAT HARBOR:
If a bridge were built linking Naknek and South Naknek, villagers would be able to use the new dock and boat harbor. Presently the only place to dock fishing boats is at the local canneries. Cannery policy, however, is to allow only those boats that fish for them to dock at their wharves, so at the close of the red salmon season, which lasts only three to five weeks, the cannery docks to be used only on the flood, severely restricts marine transportation. With a harbor, the villagers boats could be used for a longer period of time and in other fisheries.
BULK FUEL STORAGE:
Limited fuel storage in South Naknek often causes shortages of oil and gas, usually during the most crucial times of year. The introduction Of bulk fuel storage facilities would eliminate the scarcity of fuel and hopefully slow spiralling costs during the winter when fuel is in great de- mand but short supply.
OBSERVATIONS: With the development of a boat harbor and enlargement of the airport, the villagers are hopeful that the fishing industry will provide a viable economic base. These two essential projects, assuming a bridge is not built across the Naknek River linking South Naknek to Naknek and King Salmon, would give the people improved marketing possibilities and ultimately improve their living conditions because a fresh fish marketing industry brings a higher price for salmon. The cost of living in South Naknek is about twice as high as in Anchorage, for exam- ple, making it more and more difficult for local residents to maintain a decent standard of liv- ing.
EGEGIK: Population 155
—————E—_—_—K——————_——
Egegik is located about 40 miles southwest of Naknek. The village has two canneries operating
during the peak cycles of the salmon runs. Dur- ing the low cycle years the canneries do not
Operate. Fish are then barged to the Naknek facilities for processing, making it difficult for
the Egegik people to market their salmon.
Egegik has similar problems and opportunities as other small communities in Bristol Bay. Mainly reliant on the salmon fishery for their cash in-
come, there are few year round employment opportunities.
Egegik has an elementary and high school, community hall and health clinic. The Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has indicated that they may construct about 20
lost-cost houses in Egegik, improving the hous-
ing situation immensely if the housing is up to
Alaskan standards. The 2000 foot gravel airstrip is
sufficient for village needs during much of the year, but the village is inaccessible during spring
“break up" by air due to runway conditions.
Egegik’s residents are now in the process of
moving their graveyard to a more suitable loca-
tion. The graveyard has been located near the
shore bank which is rapidly eroding away, leav- ing some of the graves exposed and in danger of
being lost.
Several needs for future economic develop- ment have been voiced by the village council:
BOAT HARBOR:
This development is an integral part of
establishing a viable economic base in this com-
munity. Without a boat harbor, marine transpor-
tation is totally reliant on the tides. There are no
adequate facilities to off-load cargo except at
the canneries. if local people were to broaden
their options by getting into the fresh fish market and gaining some control over the local
fishing industry, they would need a facility that
will enable them to have a bigger voice in
establishing an equitable policy for preferential
fishing rights and marketing of salmon for the highest economic benefit.
28
COLD STORAGE:
Egegik has, in the past, set this industrial
development project as their highest priority.
With an improved economic climate, an ade-
quate community infrastructure can be built.
Two local canneries operate during peak years in
salmon runs, making it difficult for people to
find markets during the low cycle years. The can-
neries also give priority to their company owned
fishing boats. With a freezing unit installed in the
community, not only will the residents enjoy a
longer fishing season, but the economy would
be substantially improved due to fishermen
receiving a higher price for their fresh frozen
salmon. Local people would also be given addi-
tional employment opportunities in fish pro-
cessing, maintenance, etc.
SANITARY LAND FILL:
A health hazard now exists from an inadequate dumping arrangement and has existed for many years. A relatively small amount of money could alleviate this situation. The Egegik River bank re- quires stabilization approximately two miles. This project would check the erosive action along the Egegik shoreline. The current dump site at the end of the runway bordering the town limits is inadequate. The village has plotted a new dump site but lack of village funds restricts the village from building an access road to it. A wire fence around the dump is also needed to contain the garbage within the dump perimeter.
ROADS AND TRAILS:
Many of Egegik’s trails are boardwalks built up over the tundra, but some of the other roads and trails can be very muddy and difficult to traverse and need improvement. The dump ac- on road referred to above is of extreme impor- ance.
OBSERVATIONS: Egegik is a fishing village and has strong hope that the fishing economy can re- main the primary source of revenue for the peo- ple. Fishing has been the mainstay of their life and all other economic factors are secondary to the fishing economy. The immediate area is known for oil and gas potential. The projects recommended by the community are economi- cally sound investments that would enhance the lifestyle of the community and would raise the standard of living.
PILOT POINT: Population 68
Pilot Point is on the coast of the Northern Alaska Peninsula. About 70 people, mainly of Aleutian descent, live in the village, a population which has remained fairly stable over the years.
Most of the people in Pilot Point fisn during the summer months for salmon. There is a can- nery located at the village, providing a market for some of its residents, but some gillnet fishermen fish in other areas of Bristol Bay.
There is a small private store in the village but no cooperative store. There is a post office anda Lake and Peninsula School District elementary school—high school students are sent to schools outside the village for their education. A com- bined health clinic and community hall were built during the mid-1970's.
The village council considers several needs im- portant:
ELECTRICITY:
Pilot Point is another of the many villages in Bristol Bay that is facing a serious shortage of electricity. Additional electrification has been a village priority for many years. Villagers are pur- chasing more electrical appliances such as freezers, water pumps, washers and dryers, but electric generation has been at capacity level for several years. Although a few homes are able to obtain electricity from the Lake and Peninsula School District elementary school, most homes are still without power. The village council is seeking funding of a generator that would pro- vide 100 KW and four boosters which would be adequate to meet village needs.
FIRE TRUCK:
There are no fire fighting facilities in this village. A fire truck is gravely needed to help con- tain the not infrequent household fires. The village has obtained grant money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the purchase of a fire truck, but is hav- ing trouble obtaining land on which to station it.
Pilot Point, 1980 _ ”
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DREDGING OF HARBOR:
As in 1974, this is still one of the most impor- tant village development priorities. Access to the village by boat is still a real necessity and the present “harbor” is hardly sufficient. The can- nery dock located at the village was built many years ago and the “harbor has been filled in with mud by the strong river currents. Fishing boats can only get in or out of the village or to the fishing grounds at high tide when the aver- age depth of the water is only six feet. A ten to twelve foot depth is needed to accommodate barges and scows. If cargo vessels were able to dock at the village, the extra handling of cargo now required would be eliminated, resulting ina substantial decease in cost of goods barged to the village.
WATER SYSTEM:
There is no central water system in the village. Most homes have private wells and many rely on outhouses for waste disposal. The villagers do not want a public well or centralized watering point. They want a complete water system that will serve each home in the village. The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and the State of Alaska should be requested to provide assistance for this project.
HOUSING:
Out of the 23 homes in the village, approx- imately one half of the houses have deteriora- ting foundations and need reconstruction. Many of the village residents do not have incomes large enough to reinforce their homes and need outside assistance to obtain adequate housing. several homes in the village have been improved within the last few years but many still need im- provements. The village council has assisted peo- ple in filling out forms for the Alaska State Hous- ing Authority but have not received answers to their requests as yet. The situation is not improv- Ing. Photo by Patty Beck
HEAVY EQUIPMENT:
The people of Pilot Point have maintained
their own road system, however money is not
usually made available for village road mainte-
nance and so local roads are not always in good
condition. The Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities has a front end loader,
grader, and dumptruck at the airport. Perhaps
the village could approach the state for use of
their equipment. The village dump site also needs to be maintained and the people badly
need the use of a dumptruck and bulldozer for
this purpose.
OBSERVATIONS: Pilot Point is a typical Bristol Bay
village that depends on the local fishing
economy for its economic stability. The people
have always been salmon fishermen and local
economic development should be pursued by
expanding this industry, providing the oppor-
tunity for more local involvement in the in-
dustry for local residents.
Pilot Point is situated in the midst of the
caribou migration route from the “bottom” of
the Alaska Peninsula. The people are able to take
advantage of excellent hunting and trapping
nearby for their subsistence needs. Oil and gas
development is likely to take place nearby on
the Alaska Peninsula in the near future and may
provide limited employment opportunities for
local people.
30
UGASHIK: Population 40
Ugashik is one of the smallest communities of
Bristol Bay. Located on the Alaska Peninsula only
afew miles from Pilot Point, about eight families
live in Ugashik. The people are salmon fishermen
and depend almost entirely on the fishery for
their incomes. They are located along the
caribou migration route from the southend of
the Alaska Peninsula, as is Pilot Point, and can
take advantage of the excellent hunting and
trapping nearby.
It will take several years and much work of the
village council and other residents to bring the
quality of local services up to the standard of
other communities on the Alaska Peninsula.
Some of the more important needs of the com-
munity are:
AIRSTRIP:
One village council member has described the
existing airstrip as ‘deplorably inadequate.” It is
a 1,200 foot long dirt strip, soft when wet and
only the center of the runway is usable during
most of the year. When the runway is closed,
contact with the outside (the village has no
phone) is cut off. If fish could be flown out of the
village it would be of tremendous benefit to the
local economy. At present villagers must deliver
their fish down the Ugashik River, making it dif-
ficult and dangerous for them. A few years ago
one of the canneries nearby bought fish locally,
but have stopped doing so, creating great hard-
ship for local people. If this village is to survive,
an improved airstrip must be constructed.
ROADS AND TRAILS:
There is currently only one village road, which
is actually a footpath along the bank of the
Ugashik River. It is used as a road by village
vehicles, but is a swamp during the spring and
dangerously slippery when wet or frozen. The
road is also subject to erosion and is slanting
toward the river. The State of Alaska’s assistance
in creating better conditions for residents of
ugashik is urgently needed. If a better road was
constructed, fuel could then be safely hauled
from the dock to the houses.
FIRE PROTECTION:
There is no means of fire protection in the village at present. The existing road is inade-
quate for a fire truck, tying into the need for an improved road system. A fire hall is also needed. If any Of the homes were to catch on fire, it would be virtually impossible to save them.
DUMPSITE:
Currently the only dumpsite for residents is by the river bank, an unhealthy and unsightly condi- tion. Again, village roads are needed so that a dumpsite could be constructed and located away from the center of the village.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Unlike all the other villages in Bristol Bay, there is not even one village telephone. The only means of communication is by radio, which is not always possible. At least one village telephone should be installed.
OBSERVATIONS: Again, Ugashik, like Pilot Point, has the potential to improve their economy by establishing a fresh fish marketing operation. The feasibility of such a project, and any other development projects, is dependent, however, on an improved airstrip, a communications link, and an improved road system. The village of Ugashik is urgently seeking assistance from ap- propriate state and federal agencies to improve their living conditions.
Caribou herd on Alaska Peninsula
31
PORT HEIDEN:
Population 81
PORT HEIDEN
Aleutian campaign,
oil drums,
Beta Max
non-directional beacons,
3 wheeler
Aniakchak
Space overtakes
Beaver McMilland
Eighty-one people, most of Aleut descent, live in this village on the west coast of the Alaska Pe- ninsula, About 150 air miles from King Salmon, Port Heiden is one of Bristol Bay's more remote communities.
Unlike many Bristol Bay communities, this village has a fairly stable economy. Port Heiden's main economic base is the Bristol Bay salmon and herring fisheries. There is a privately owned fresh fish market in the village for King Salmon; villagers must find markets for their sockeye and silver salmon, however. Port Heiden is a second Class city and is therefore eligible for state aid to local governments (revenue sharing). This, coupled with the federal revenue sharing act, provides funds for the city to hire their unemployed fishermen as the need arises. This incidental employment includes garbage clean- up, maintenance of the streets and community hall. The city buys fire extinguishers for its residents and public facilities and other items such as anti-freeze for community fuel tanks and pumps.
During World War Il, the military had a base here; its remnants are scattered around the area, the largest and most useful being the 6,200 foot airstrip still used by local air taxi services and Reeve Aleutian Airlines. In 1979 a new com- bined elementary and high school was built by the Lake and Peninsula School District. The children use the gymnasium as their recreation hall. There is a small community hall used for village affairs and for the health clinic. The village has no cooperative store, only a small private store to serve village needs.
Port Heiden residents have a major problem to
solve before they can further their economic
development potential. The village sits only a
few feet from the beach where the bank is
eroding away; the village must be moved.
Relocation outweighs Port Heiden’s other needs
at the present time.
RELOCATION:
Situated on the Bering Sea, without any
natural protection from the elements, the high
tide now washes onto some homes’ porches and
doorways. Due to beach erosion, these homes
will soon be lost if they are not moved im-
mediately. The Rural Development Administra-
tion (RDA) has recently been assisting the village
in seeking funds for relocation to a more
suitable site nearby. Villagers also need their
own trailer so they can begin to move their
homes before they are lost. Once the village is
situated in a more permanent location,
residents can concentrate on obtaining their
other important needs, such as:
BOAT HARBOR:
Port Heiden has a small natural harbor that has
needed dredging for years. It has filled in to the
point where it is unusable. The people have no
place to moor their boats and skiffs to avoid the
extreme weather conditions.
WATER AND SEWER:
Port Heiden residents have been seeking assis-
tance for a public water and sewer system. In
1979 the Public Health Service (PHS) dug a public
well, but the quality of the water was poor and
local residents continue to use their private
wells. There is no sewage system at present anda
continual danger exists of contamination of
drinking water.
HOUSING:
The villagers seek assistance in improving their
housing situation. Many of the homes are below
standard. The Bristol Bay Housing Authority and
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have been
asked to assist Port Heiden in solving their hous-
ing problems.
32
COMMUNITY HALL:
Although the village has a small community
hall, itis old and the council stresses the need for
a new building that would provide a more con-
genial atmosphere for village gatherings and for
village leaders to work together on community
affairs. The State Rural Development Agency
(RDA) and the federal Economic Development
Administration (EDA) may be able to help pro-
vide assistance on this project.
OBSERVATIONS: If this village can be saved by
relocation, there is a great deal of economic
potential to be pursued. The community of Port
Heiden will continue to participate in the com-
mercial salmon and herring fisheries. The village
is close to the Aleutian Chain where the bottom
fishery is beginning to generate a lot of interest
statewide. Local residents may decide to invest
in 80 to 125 foot boats to be able to participate.
If so, another economic potential offering a
strong financially profitable opportunity exists
for Port Heiden residents. The area between
Ugashik Bay and Port Moller, where Port Heiden
is located, is estimated to hold 15 million pounds
of harvestable clams annually which equals
about 50% of the current allowable east coast
harvest. This resource is untouched commercial-
ly and if exploited would provide a lucrative in-
come for an estimated seven to ten 100 to 120
foot boats.
ILIAMNA LAKE SUBREGION
Igiugig
lliamna Kokhanok Newhalen
Nondalton
Pedro Bay
The iourney is over
Photo by Andy Golia eo Go IGIUGIG:
Population 45
The journey is almost over
as the salmon reach Igiugig
where the lake ends and the river begins giving life, renewal
Upon a bluff, the village is quiet, windswept calming to one’s heart, warmth from the villagers heart and soul.
One sees a panaroma of mountains far away across the lake that bears the name lliamna
suggesting mysteries known only to it, and
a special few
Big Mountain, Ole and Kaskanak, not far away from this place of endings and beginnings.
Dave McClure
A small village, Igiugig's population fluctuates with the seasons as residents move about the Lake lliamna and Kvichak River regions for
fishing. Igiugig is situated on a small bluff over- looking the south end of Lake lliamna and the
origin of the Kvichak River, at the major spawn-
ing grounds for the important sockeye salmon.
Community facilities include a village council building and a school operated by the Lake and Peninsula School District. some villagers obtain power from the school but in limited amounts. The village needs a central generation facility,
but very distant plans for the area may include a hydroelectric project whose lines would run near Iguigig, bringing a less expensive power
source than oil can provide. The 2,700 foot
airstrip is adequate for village needs. Igiugig is located in prime sportsfishing area and is near the new (D-2) Iliamna Resource Range.
The following development projects have
been identified by the villagers:
HEAVY EQUIPMENT:
A dump truck, bulldozer and loader is needed
for development. Village development projects
are usually delayed because of the lack of heavy
equipment. The equipment would be used for
the maintenance of village projects as time goes
on.
ROADS:
The village becomes very unattractive during
spring break up and damp summer weather,
when its dirt roads turn into lakes and puddles.
Construction and maintenance of a better road
system would provide temporary employment
for villagers, an important supplement to the
fishing economy.
WATER AND SEWER:
water is carried from the nearby Kvichak River.
Private privies are used for the disposal of
human waste. Such pioneer conditions are in-
adequate if village living conditions and the local
economy is to be improved. Construction of the
much needed water and sewer system would un-
doubtedly improve existing health conditions.
ELECTRICITY:
Only a few homes are connected to the school
power plant and the villagers would like all of
their homes connected to the school. Improper
lighting conditions make it difficult for students
to study. With an electrical system installed in
the community, villagers would be able to im-
prove their living standard by purchasing elec-
trical appliances such as refrigerators, washers
and dryers, water pumps, etc.
34
ILIAMNA: Population 100
The community of Iliamna is located on the
north shore of Lake lliamna, Alaska's largest lake.
It sits in the center of one of the most scenic
regions of the Northern Aleutian Range.
A growing village, lliamna's population has
been steadily growing. This may be due, in part, to the fact that it is one of the few villages in Bristol Bay with employment opportunities
other than commercial fishing. lliamna has a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) station, a
wien Air Alaska station, and a State Maintenance Department at the airport.
There are several permanent fishing and hunt-
ing lodges in the area. In the village of lliamna itself, there are three such lodges. Many other temporary hunting and fishing camps are usually
scattered throughout the area during the sum-
mer and fall months, and because the area holds
such great attraction for sports hunters and fishermen, there is excellent opportunity for the local village corporation and private en-
trepeneurs to invest in the tourist trade and get involved in guiding and other areas of work of- fered by the tourist industry.
Many of the locals were not able to obtain
limited entry permits for salmon fishing when the Limited Entry Act was passed in 1976; the
local people, therefore, are in great need of
year-round employment opportunities.
The residents are fortunate to live in an area so
rich in natural resources. They engage in sub-
sistence hunting, fishing and trapping on a daily
basis. Until recently, their fish and game
resources were even more abundant, but in-
creased sports hunting activity has caused a decline in the local game populations.
There is no school and the children are bussed
to Newhalen, a village five miles away where a
new high school has recently been completed. A
community office building was recently built by the village corporation, and provides village
leaders with a place to hold council meetings, centralize their paperwork, and serves as a focal
point for village affairs. lllammna has no recrea- tion center. A health clinic was recently con-
structed.
In 1975, a small city dock as constructed with disaster funds obtained from the State when the
Bristol Bay area was declared a disaster area due to poor salmon returns. The dock is used by peo-
ple from Newhalen and lliamna and serves many
local boats. There is, however, no boat harbor or
boat storage facilities, both of which are badly
needed to accommodate the area's many fisher-
men.
Several needs have been prioritized by the
village leaders:
FUEL STORAGE TANKS:
Obtaining bulk fuel storage facilities has been a
priority for many years. In 1976, a study com-
pleted by the Department of Economic Develop-
ment, Division of Economic Enterprise, deter-
mined installment of bulk fuel storage facilities
to be economically cost-effective. Fuel is
delivered only during the summer when the
water is high enough at the mouth of Lake Iliam-
na to accommodate barges with large loads.
After the summer shipment has run out, fuel
must be flown in at exhorbitant prices. Stove oil
costs $1.75/gallon. There is no central electrifica-
tion system, most families own private
generators, making fuel costs for an average
family about $400 a month.
If bulk fuel facilities were installed at Iliamna, it
would ease the financial burden of the surround-
ing villagers who would be able to purchase
their fuel from lliamna as well. Storage is needed
for approximately 100,000 gallons.
ELECTRICITY:
The local Federal Aviation Administration only
provides surplus electricity to local air taxis, and
no one else is allowed to “hook-up” with the
facility. No school exists within the community,
so the local villagers cannot obtain power from
the Lake and Peninsula School District. Except for
several wind generators, most everyone has
private diesel generators so the cost of electrici-
ty is extremely high.
North of lliamna NPS Photo - Bob Waldrop 35
COOPERATIVE STORE:
The villagers feel that the establishment of a
cooperative store in the village would reduce
the cost of living in the community. There are
two small private stores, but there is little varie-
ty and costs are high. A local cooperative store
could purchase goods in bulk, cutting transpor-
tation and retail costs as well as providing
some competition in the community. The Com-
munity Enterprise Development Corporation
(CEDC) should be requested to complete a
feasibility study on the possibility of establishing
a local co-op store. With the population at 125
and the summer influx of tourists, such a store
would serve the village well.
RECREATION HALL:
The school at Newhalen has a multi-purpose
room which the villagers can use, but lliamna
itself has no recreational facility. There is no
place to go for entertainment, which the village
council feels is especially important for the
young people. A recreation hall could be used
for showing movies, holding bingo sessions, and
other activities, and would be especially valuable
during the winter months.
OBSERVATIONS: Lake Iliamna is one of the most
unique areas in Alaska, having three cultural
groups—Eskimos, Aleuts, and Tanina Athabascan
Indians, each proud of their heritage and unified
in their goal to achieve economic in-
dependence. In an area where everyone realizes
they must work together to survive, a communi-
ty spirit exists that is hardly found elsewhere.
The area contains a. lot of potential for
economic development. Fresh water fish
marketing could be developed successfully, as
the resource is in abundance. A fur marketing
cooperative could be established, giving local
people more control over the industry. They
could process their own furs and sell them at a
more attractive price. The tourism industry
could also be further developed.
Although Iliamna is recognized as the “hub” of
the Lake Iliamna region, it is not the trade center
it should be. There is now jet service three times
weekly during the winter and the airport has
recently been extended from 4,800 to 6,000 feet. There are two air taxi services based in lliamna
that serve the surrounding communities. With
the introduction of a bulk fuel storage facility
and a cooperative store, lliamna could well be on
its way to becoming a distribution and trade
center, providing more employment oppor-
tunities and reducing the cost of living for the
entire Lake Iliamna region.
KOKHANOK: Population 101
KOKHANOK Over biue water the white gulls fly gracefully circling
soft clouds in the sky mountains meet water
sweet sound of the waves quiet beauty around us may they be here always
Alice Ruby
Kokhanok is a beautiful, remote village on the
south shore of Lake Iliamna. A growing com-
munity, Kokhanok's population has doubled
since 1960.
Kokhanok's economy is typical of Bristol Bay
communities. The people are dependent on the
Bristol Bay commercial fisheries to supply them
with the necessities of life. When the fisheries
experience declining years, the people become
more dependent on subsistence activities such
as fishing, hunting and trapping, to survive.
In the summer the people travel by skiff or
boat and in the winter by snowmachine. There is
a 1900 foot gravel air strip which is due to be
resurfaced by the Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities in 1985. The cost of air
transportation, however, is high.
Kokhanok has no dock or boat harbor, and few
public facilities. A new high school to be com-
bined with the existing elementary school is be-
ing built by the Lake and Peninsula School District. The village council currently rents their
office building to the school, and when the new
school is completed, the council members will
have office space at their disposal instead of hav-
ing to work out of their homes. In 1975 a health
clinic was constructed with funds from the Rural
Development Agency (RDA).
Before any major economic development pro-
jects can be pursued, certain basic development
needs must be met. The village has prioritized
the following needs:
PUBLIC WELL:
As the village grows so do the health hazards
associated with lack of water. Serious health pro-
blems are anticipated by the lack of a public
water and sewage system.
36
In 1975 a well was dug by the Public Health Ser-
vice with disaster monies from the state, but the
well was unsuccessful and the people still draw
water daily from Lake Iliamna. There is no
sewage system and the people rely on out-
houses for their waste disposal.
The overflow of waste into the lake causes a
serious health hazard. The situation is particular- ly bad during the spring and fall rainy seasons
but can occur during the winter when the weather warms up.
A new public well must be dug and sewage
system installed. Agencies of the state and federal government have been asked to give
this situation their attention and assistance.
POWER FROM SCHOOL:
Kokhanok has no comprehensive public facili-
ties. There are only a few private generators in
the village and these supply all of the electrical
needs. Villagers feel they need only minimal elec-
trification, perhaps just to have electric lights.
The people would like to obtain power from the
Lake and Peninsula School District or develop a
project sponsored by another funding agency.
LOCAL ROADS:
Although the people in this community are op-
posed to the concept of a road system that
would open up their land, they would like to im-
prove their existing roads and trails. This would
greatly enhance village living conditions. By upgrading the road system new employment
opportunities would be created in construction, and village street maintenance after construc-
tion work is completed.
DUMPSITE IMPROVEMENTS:
The village dump is suitable for village needs,
but needs to be surrounded by a fence so the
garbage does not blow into the village on windy
days or get washed away during rainy or warm
winter weather. The village also needs a four
wheel drive vehicle for village garbage collec-
tion, creating part-time jobs for one or two peo-
ple.
DOCK FACILITY:
Transportation costs for Kokhanok are exhor-
bitant because of the village's remoteness. A
dock would allow barges to moor by the village, encouraging bulk shipments and cutting trans- portation costs. Before economic development projects such as fresh-fish marketing is pursued, a dock is essential.
OBSERVATIONS: The people of Kokhanok are Eskimos who speak the Yup’ik dialect. The people are very independent and content to continue to rely on subsistence hunting, trapping, and fishing to supply them with most of their needs.
However, certain basic needs should be met to enable the people to maintain this independent lifestyle. Public water and a sewage system are needed to ensure the health of the residents. Central power is needed along with a dock in
order to give the village a base from which to
pursue future economic development projects such as fresh fish marketing and cold storage.
Near Kokhanok
Photo by Patty Beck 37
NEWHALEN:
Population 106
The village of Newhalen is located at the north shore of Lake Iliamna, about five miles from the village of lliamna. Although the area is sur- rounded by villages settled by Tanina Athabas- can Indians, the people in Newhalen are predo- minantty Eskimos and Aleuts.
The villages of Newhalen and Iliamna are con- nected by a gravel road and share an elementary and high school. The two villages share the Iliam-
na airport which is served by Wien Air Alaska jet
service three times weekly. Newhalen has a small
community hall and separate health clinic, both of which were built in the mid-1970's. The school has a gym which is used by Newhalen and Iliamna residents for recreational purposes.
During the summer many of the local residents leave the village for fish camps on the Nushagak River, at Naknek and other areas of Bristol Bay. Commercial fishing brings in much needed in-
come. The fishermen of Newhalen, however, are primarily set netters who fish with small skiffs; there are only a very few limited entry permit holders who fish with 32 foot gill net vessels.
There is little opportunity in the village for year round employment except for what is available at lliamna, and so the economy of Newhalen is
largely based on the success of Bristol Bay's
salmon runs. As in iliamna, Newhalen’s villagers rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and trap- ping to help supplement their winter livelinood.
Economic development in Newhalen cannot begin to take place until basic needs are met. At present, the villagers still pack water from the Newhalen River, for instance. The Public Health Service (PHS) and the State of Alaska are sponsor- ing a pilot project of wind generators that will
run a washeteria where the villagers will be able to get their water. There will be a need for maintenance personnel so new employment op- portunities may be created.
Newhalen River Photo by Patty Beck
The following needs are important to the peo-
ple of Newhailen:
HOUSING:
The village has been working towards housing
improvements since 1972. Of approximately 23
homes, more than 15 need renovation. Many of
the homes are overcrowded and many have in-
adequate foundations. A housing program
would require a water and sewage system.
Newhalen is soon to be placed under the
Bristol Bay Housing Authority's jurisdiction in-
stead of the Cook inlet Housing Authority. It is
expected that when the Lake Iliamna region is
under the Bristol Bay Housing Authority, the
Housing Authority will concentrate much of its
efforts in locating suitable accommodations in
the Iliamna region villages.
It is important that a program under the
Bristol Bay Housing Authority, the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development, or the
Bureau of Indian Affairs be combined with fund-
ing for a water and sewage system under the U.S.
Public Health Service.
ELECTRICITY:
Out of 23 homes, only a few operate private
generators. The villagers may be abie to hook up
to the new high school generator, but will need
equipment and a qualified electrician to set up
the system. Most of the homes are located close
together so the cost of this project would be
relatively low. Such a project could be an ex-
cellent opportunity for a local person to learn
the trade of an electrician.
FUEL STORAGE:
The village presently get its fuel from the com-
mercial outlet at iliamna at $1.75/gallon. Bulk
fuel storage facilities in Newhalen would help to
alleviate these costs, or alternatively if !liamna
were to obtain such facilities, Newhalen’s fuel
costs would be lowered. if cheaper fuel was
made available, more people could afford the
costs associated with maintaining private
generators.
38
HEAVY EQUIPMENT:
The village has no heavy equipment of its own
and must rent from tliamna at $80 an hour, when
necessary, for village maintenance, dump site
maintenance, and road repairs. Newhalen needs
a dump truck, front end loader, backhoe and
bulldozer for general village maintenance.
DOCK:
At present there is no dock in Newhailen. Many
of the villagers fisn during the summer months
but have no place to tie up their boats. There is
no area set aside where people can work on
their boats after “break up” or after fishing. Newhalen is another fishing village with no dock-
ing facilities.
COOPERATIVE STORE:
Newhalen has one private store, but no
cooperative store. The introduction of a
cooperative store would not only make more
goods available, but would also reduce the cost
of each item. The villagers are not able to pur-
chase goods from iliamna at a lower price
because they do not have aco-op. The Communi-
ty Enterprise Development Corporation (CEDC)
should be requested to give their assistance in
completing a feasibility study on introducing a
cooperative store in Newhalen.
OBSERVATIONS: Although Newhalen’s population
is growing, its needs are basic and no real
economic development can take place until
these needs are met. The people of Newhailen re-
ly heavily on the summer salmon fishing season
to sustain them through the long winter
months, but the cost of living is so high that
even very successful fishing seasons do not
guarantee a good standard of living. Projects
need to be introduced in this village that will
lower the cost of living.
During the summer and fail, tourists and
sports hunters and fishermen visiting the Lake II-
iamna area often go to Newhalen but there is no
cafe or other place to eat. The village of
Newhalen could better take advantage of the
tourist industry by investing in a iodge or by
opening up a Cafe or restaurant to cater to the
summer visitors.
NONDALTON: Population 250
NONDALTON
How can this speck called man presume
to sing an ode to such simple grandeur? My song is stilled beside the Spirit
flaming along these turquoise water,
Athabasca! Whose heart would not be hushed to decorous silence
Amidst the music of your mountains
or the anthem of your virgin snows?
Anonymous
Nondalton is one of the largest villages in
Bristol Bay and one of the largest in the Lake II-
iamna area. It is one of the only villages in the region that is settled by Tanina Athabascan In-
dians, many of whom still speak their Native language.
Nondalton is one of the most economically
depressed villages in the area; there is no stable
economic base, and out of 250 people, there are
only seven limited entry permit holders in the
village. The people, therefore, do not benefit greatly from commercial salmon fishery.
Cost of living in Nondalton is high. Fuel and food prices are exorbitant. Goods either have to
be barged up the Kvichak River to Lake lliamna and then up the Newhalen River to Nondalton,
or flown in. Some years the water level is not
high enough to accommodate the barges, and goods have to be flown to Iliamna and then to
Nondalton in a smaller plane. People have begun to burn wood instead of oil, but permits for cut- ting wood from nearby proposed D-2 lands are difficult to get and wood is becoming scarce on
other surrounding land.
The village, however, is situated on Lake Clark
and is surrounding by areas rich in natural resources. Nondalton residents rely heavily on subsistence hunting, fishing and trapping. The
proposed D-2 withdrawals have begun to affect
the subsistence economy of the village, the
village council feels, as it is located right at the
edge of the proposed Lake Clark National Park.
Nondalton's school and cooperative store
were lost in a fire in 1974 but since then a new
combined elementary and high school has been
built by the Lake and Peninsula School District, and a co-op store constructed with the
assistance of the Community Enterprise Development Corporation (CEDC).
39
In 1978 the gravel airstrip was extended 800
feet and an 800 foot crosswind runway con-
structed by the Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities. The runway is now 3,000 foot long, suitable for small planes. If the strip
could be extended another 900 feet, it would ac- commodate larger planes and heavier loads. Un- fortunately, no future improvements are
scheduled yet.
The village has constructed a building for its
community office facilities, but due to the high
fuel costs villagers are often unable to use the building. The post office is located in the co-op
store and a separate health clinic, nearing com- pletion, has been funded by the State of Alaska
and the state Rural Development Agency (RDA).
The village council sees the following needs as fundamental to the well being of the village:
BULK FUEL STORAGE FACILITIES:
People in Nondalton pay over $2.10 per gallon
for stove oil. The lack of an economic base has made it difficult for villagers to purchase
enough fuel in the autumn to supply their winter needs; this has meant for the last several
years, that the village has had to rely on the
government to send in emergency fuel during
the winter at extremely high prices to the villagers. If a bulk fuel storage operation were
set up, this problem would be alleviated—vil- lagers would be able to buy fuel at any time of
year at a lower cost, and would not be forced to resort to emergency fuel assistance year after
year.
Nondalton
(x oS 3 a > B = é > a 2 ° < =
HOUSING:
Housing conditions in Nondalton have im-
proved very little in the last few years. Many of
the homes are overcrowded, have inadequate
foundations, and are difficult to heat. There are a couple of new Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
funded homes in the village, but there is a desperate need of more improved housing. A
survey of the village housing situation is needed, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA), and the Bristol Bay Housing Authority (BBHA) (who is soon to take jurisdiction over the
Housing Authority in this area) must be re- quested to assist Nondalton's people in obtain-
ing adequate housing.
RECREATION HALL:
Although the new Lake and Peninsula School
District elementary and high school has a gym
used for sporting activities, the young people of the village need a recreation hall. Over half of
the village people are children, many of whom
are from families with low incomes unable to
buy toys and games to enjoy themselves with
during the long winter months.
LOCAL GAME MANAGEMENT:
Although a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ad- visory Board deals with this area and includes a
representative from Nondalton on the board,
villagers are disappointed that the Board rarely
visits Nondalton. The council feels that locals
could do a better job of local game management
since they know the area intimately and are
most affected by game management decisions.
They believe they can easily identify with, relate to, and understand their own people, an impor-
tant factor they feel is now neglected in local
fish and game management.
DUMP SITE:
A new dump site is needed. The present dump
is located near the airport and there is a con- stant danger of garbage flying onto the airstrip
or washing onto the strip during spring “break
up” or warm winter weather. A new site has
been chosen but funds are needed to prepare it
for use.
40
Nondaiton
OBSERVATIONS: A few years ago a road was built halfway from Iliamna to Nondalton. The villagers
voted against completion of the road because
they felt it would bring unwanted rapid changes
to their way of life. The village council now feels
that the completion of this road would lead to increased economic opportunities for the
village; that the benefits would outweigh the
detriments.
Nondaliton is settled by Tanina Athabascan In-
dians who place much emphasis on their rich
Native culture. The village has potential for com-
mercial development of their local arts and crafts, if they so desire. The waters surrounding
Nondalton are rich in many species of fish. A fresh fish marketing operations is possible.
There is a sports fishing lodge located close to the village. With the area containing such an at-
traction for sportspersons, the village could become involved in the tourist industry. Several
development options are available for the village residents and village corporation. Photo by Robert Wagstaff Photo by Patty Beck
PEDRO BAY: Population 45
PEDRO BAY
Pedro Bay
cool and white
Pedro Bay
dark and still by night
far away
gray boardwalks washed in sunlight
blue ice
cracked and white
Pedro Bay
Anonymous
Pedro Bay is located on the northwest shore of Lake Iliamna, one of the most beautiful places in Bristol Bay. The people of this community rely mainly on the commercial fishery for their
economy, so when the fishery produces a low economic yield, the people depend more on trapping and subsistence hunting and fishing to offset the economic recession. When there is a
fruitful fishing season, the people move during
the summer to fish camps near Naknek and Dil- lingham to harvest the salmon. Many women and children remain at home to subsistence fish
for thier winter's food supply.
The village has resources that could be developed to supplement the fishing income. This is one of the few communities in Bristol Bay that has good potential for a profitable lumber industry.
There are several ways that the village can ex-
pand its economy, and some of the facilities
needed to do this have been prioritized by the village council:
LUMBER MILL:
There is a forested area near the community
which would support a timber operation,
thereby expanding the economic base of the
village. The river is navigable from the bay; barges can be utilized in moving the timber. The community could produce marketable lumber which is in high demand around the Lake Iliamna
area and in other communities of Bristol Bay. If the community were to own a sawnmiill, it could
provide employment for much of the available manpower in the village and possibly for some
of the unemployed people from the surrouna-
ing villages. If successful, this project would enable the village to develop other projects that would attract families to the area.
DOCK:
This project is the key to future economic
development. With a dock the community
would be able to export their products and costs
for importing basic necessities, such as food and
fuel, would be lowered considerably. Barges
would be able to come directly to the village
bringing bulk rate quantities of supplies, reduc- ing transportation costs. A dock will enable the community to plan for future development pro- jects such as establishing a lumber mill or fresh fish marketing operations. The leaders of Pedro Bay will look for assistance from the state in fun- ding this important project.
FREEZER UNIT:
A freezer unit in this community could be another economically sound investment. With such a facility, local fishermen would be able to harvest and market the locally abundant fresh water fish and create another alternative in- dustry to the commercial salmon fishery. With an adequate airport in lliamna to fly their fresh fish to outside markets, this potential small in- dustry looks to be a financially viable enterprise.
OBSERVATIONS: This community can be a thriving one. It does not have to rely on the cyclical Bristol Bay salmon fishery for its economy. There is development potential in both fresh water fish marketing and in the lumber industry. Establishing some of the above mentioned development projects could be a good start for Pedro Bay and other villages in Bristol Bay to 41 become economically self-sufficient.
i
PENINSULA SUBREGION SEE PEC eee eet eee Streeter
Chignik
Chignik Lagoon CHIGNIK:
Chignik Lake Population 80 and
Perryville CHIGNIK LAGOON: Ivanof Bay Population 80
CHIGNIK AND CHIGNIK LAGOON The ''Chigniks” they say
took me four days to reach from King Salmon.
The weather is holding
now, but we tried one day and were within five miles
of the Lake,
said the pilot,
when we turned in the white, the fog and the snow
looked one and the same,
so we flew low | reached out of the window
and felt the velvet while big eyes like ponds
‘y were mellow he on the moose...
Patty Beck
Chignik
Approximately 80 people live in each of these
two villages, about 16 miles apart, on the south
side of the Aleutian Range. Chignik and Chignik
Lagoon are over 250 miles from Dillingham, and
are two of the most difficult villages to reach by
air due to the continual high winds from the sea.
Mountains, 1,000 to 4,800 feet, surround both
villages. Mail services delays up to a month are
not unusual. The economy of the “Chigniks,” as
Chignik, Chignik Lake, and Chignik Lagoon, are
commonly called, is based almost entirely upon
the salmon harvest which has been steadily im-
proving during the last few years, giving more
economic stability to the area.
Photo by Patty Beck Cannery Dock, Chignik
Photo by Patty Beck a nw
Although Chignik and Chignik Lagoon are only a few miles apart, there is no road connecting the two villages. If a road were built then village services could be improved without a need for duplication. Chignik Lagoon does not have a store, for example, and has to depend on a can- nery store across the bay from the village; though the village would benefit from the establishment of a store, if a road were to link Chignik to Chignik Lagoon, the two villages could then share retail facilities.
Chignik's number one development priority set by its village council is a boat harbor. At pre- sent the village has no harbor facilities for its many fishing boats (75% of the village residents own boats). People now have to leave their boats in Kodiak, Sand Point, and other distant and inconvenient places. Residents of both Chignik and Chignik Lagoon would greatly benefit from such a facility.
Both villages are in dire need of improved local road systems. Roads and trails now are either nonexistent or poorly defined. The state has recently funded construction of a road in Chignik from the airstrip to the town, and should be requested for their assistance in assisting the villages improve the rest of the roads and trails in these two villages.
Both villages are in need of adequate dumps, dump trucks and appropriate access roads. Again, a road adjoining the two villages might elimate the need for two dump sites and one could be centrally located.
Chignik's village council has set other priori- ties, all having particular importance: The first, a community office building, has been a priority for several years. The only office space available for village affairs is a small section of an old school and is hardly suitable for village needs. The second important development priority is the establishment of an improved water system. According to one member of the village council, 85% of the village residents do not have ade- quate water during the winter due to the poor water system.
Chignik Lagoon's village council has also set several priorities. One of the most important to the village is to receive television. There is no high school, no gymnasium for sports. A satellite receiver could serve all of the Chigniks. It is im- portant to the village, also, that an alternate communications system be set up for the health aide. As the telephone is often out of service, especially during the severe winter months, the
43
village can be left with no communication with
the outside world, leaving medical emergencies without the advice of appropriate medical per- sonnel.
Although 20 to 30 people in Chignik Lagoon have private generators, there is no central generation system. Some families have no elec- tricity. One 60 KW plant would be sufficient and would eliminate the need for private genera- tors. This is another of the village council's development priorities.
OBSERVATIONS: The people in the Chigniks
possess an independent spirit and like to do things for themselves, a trait probably stem-
ming from their remoteness. This same remote-
ness, however, has often allowed them to be ig- nored. The priorities listed above are felt to be
important to the locals and should be con-
sidered for funding as soon as possible by their
representatives in the legislature and by the
state and federal government agencies.
Chignik Lagoon
Photo by Patty Beck Photo by Lynn Meyers
CHIGNIK LAKE:
Population 120
Situated about 15 miles from the villages of
Chignik and Chignik Lagoon on the Alaska Penin-
sula, more Native Aleuts reside here than either
at Chignik or Chignik Lagoon.
Most residents rely on commercial fishing for
their cash income. Many also work in the local
canneries at Chignik and Chignik Lagoon. As in
most Bristol Bay villages, the health of the local
economy fluctuates with the strength of the
salmon runs.
A community hall was completed in 1975, and
has been used extensively by the village ever
since. The Lake and Peninsula School District
recently constructed a new combined elemen-
tary and high school. There is no post office and
mail must be picked up from Chignik Lagoon. Im-
proved housing is needed, as many of the homes
are substandard. Villagers have applied for hous-
ing assistance, but none has been achieved as
yet.
Village development priorities have remained
basically the same since 1975;
HOUSING:
Out of the approximately 25 homes in the
village, at least 20 are substandard. Most are
overcrowded, dilapidated, and the foundations
are deteriorating. The increasing cost of
building supplies and materials has placed the
construction of new homes beyond the financial
means of most of the villagers. Shipping costs to-
this village add substantially to the overall cost
of materials, for Chignik Lake is very isolated.
WATER AND SEWER:
Most villagers carry their water from the lake
and most use privies. There are very few private
wells or cesspools in the village. The homes are
located fairly close together which will aid in
establishing a central water and sewer system. It
is understood that housing programs incor-
porate water and sewer for every home com-
pleted, though funding will have to be secured
from a separate agency. Funding is urgently
needed to combine the water and sewer project
with a housing project.
44
Chignik Lake
Photo by Kathy Ward
ROADS AND TRAILS:
The present system is grossly inadequate and needs expansion. Wet weather conditions play such havoc with the roads that walking is sometimes impossible. Gravel is needed; there is access to gravel within a reasonable distance from the village.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Persistent high winds delay mail service as much as three or four weeks. Emergency messages by radio telephone are even delayed and must often be relayed to other villages. It is extremely important to establish an effective communication link between Chignik Lake and the surrounding communities of Chignik, Chignik Lagoon, Perryville and Ivanof Bay with the “outside world.” Future development is dependent on adequate communication facili- ties.
OBSERVATIONS: Chignik Lake, the other “Chigniks’, Perryville and lvanof Bay are mem- bers of the Bristol Bay Native Association. Their geographic position, relatively isolated from the other villages in the region, causes them to be ig- nored at times for people believe they belong within the boundaries of the Aleut League and should not be considered for services that are directed toward the Bristol Bay Native Associa- tion. A regional office of BBNA would help alleviate this situation and would be able to assist the local people.
Flying into Perryville Photo by Patty Beck ns 1) | PERRYVILLE: Population 125
—_—_———_—_—_—_—_—_—
PERRYVILLE
The crosswind wasn't strong
enough to keep us from landing
as we crept down near the beach
to see how we could fly
but once on the gravel and little rocks flying, and we
slid to a stop at the end.
A three-wheeler came to greet us, but no thank you we'll walk across the bridge by the red fire hydrant, oh, but by the way Have you seen Dennis? Or has he given up waiting for weeks to get back? Is the weather doing something special just for us today?
Bluest of blue skys, the water is shimmering turquoise, and still the sky pointed with mountain white tips rising above black beaches of sand inviting but no, the wind bites, and reminds us of yesterday and tomorrow...
Patty Beck
Perryville is situated on the eastern side of the lower Alaska Peninsula, and is another very remote village within the Bristol Bay Native Association's boundaries.
Perryville was first settled in 1912 after the volcanic eruptions at Katmai that forced many villages to relocated in other areas of Bristol Bay. According to traditional beliefs, the people who founded Perryville were sent from Katmai to Kodiak on a government ship. From there another ship led by a Captain Perry brought the people on another government ship to the southern Alaska Peninsula. While waiting for a long spell of bad weather to clear, they took shelter. When the weather finally lifted, the peo- ple had settled long enough to stay, and so the village became known as Perryville.
The area is notorious for its stormy weather. The villagers rely mainly on fishing for their live- lihood, but have no boat harbor or dock to shelter their boats and skiffs, only a small partial- ly sheltered lagoon.
The village is fairly compact and the houses are close together. Recently a comprehensive water system was installed by the Public Health Service (PHS); a sewage system included in the project, and one is surprised to see the two red fire
hydrants in the village. Two generators operated
by the city supply the power needs, but are cost-
ly to run and maintain.
The Lake and Peninsula School District recently
completed a combined elementary and high
school. There is a community hall, but it is used
as a post office, communications center, and
warehouse. A village store, Perryville Commer-
cial, takes care of village retail needs. The village
corporation runs a hotel; and so Perryville is one
of the few villages on the Alaska Peninsula with
public lodging facilities. Tne 1,900 foot long
gravel airstrip is due to be improved this year by
the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities.
The following needs have been prioritized:
BREAKWATER AND HARBOR:
The main source of cash income for the com-
munity is from commercial fishing, but residents
have no safe place to moor their boats. The area
is well known for its frequent storms and
villagers must moor their boats in a small partial-
ly sheltered lagoon. The construction of a
breakwater and harbor is badly needed for the
security of the boats and is, understandably, the
village’s number one development priority.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER:
The village is surrounded by mountains and
waterfalls. It would be an excellent opportunity
for a small hydro project. The village power re-
quirements continue to grow, as does the
population. Introduction of hydroelectric power
would not only reduce the cost of money spent
on fuel, but would also provide employment op-
portunities for local people who could assist on
the project.
OFFICE BUILDING AND RECREATION CENTER:
The village leaders have no office facility with
which to center their activities, and must work
out of their homes. This is difficult for village
leaders as they take their work very seriously.
Perryville was earmarked as one of the five
villages in Bristol Bay needing office facilities in a
1976 study compiled by the Department of Com-
munity and Regional Affairs. The community of-
fice would more aptly be called a community
46
center as it could partially be used as a recrea-
tion hall. The new school has a gym or “multi-
purpose room" but there is no place where
adults can gather for parties, bingo sessions,
movies, etc.
ROADS AND TRAILS IMPROVEMENTS:
The roads in Perryville are narrow and need im-
provements. The community has an adequate
fenced-in dumpsite, but the access road is long
and narrow and difficult to traverse during
spring “break up”.
BULK FUEL STORAGE:
The development of a hydroelectric project
would ease considerably the communities reli-
ance on fossil fuel. Presently fuel is barged from
Kodiak; because of the frequent inclement
weather, the barge is not always able to deliver
when the fuel is needed.
OBSERVATIONS: Perryville is a very isolated com-
munity, making it all the more necessary for it to
be self sufficient as possible. Using the available
local resources to obtain hydroelectric power,
~ the village would be much better off economi-
cally.
When the first report "Bristol Bay - The Fishery
and The People" was published in 1975, it stated
for Perryville “Two Feasibility Studies should be initiated...One for hydroelectric power and the
other for a breakwater.” The situation remains
the same.
Aniakchak Caldera
Photo by Patty Beck
IVANOF BAY: Population 50
Alaska Peninsula, Eastshore
47
lvanof Bay, located on the Aleutian Chain, is the farthest village from Dillingham with the Bristol Bay Native Association region. This village with about 50 residents is also one of the smaller villages served by the Native Association. The majority of the people living in this village are of Aleut descent and they rely totally upon com- mercial salmon fishing and cannery work.
A State of Alaska school and a post office witha community hall and clinic provide the only com- munity facilities in the village. A 75 KW light plant is located in the village with the school using on- ly 30 KW. A health clinic under the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) is contracted by the Bristol Bay Health Corporation which is located in Dillingham.
With only seven families making up the population of ivanof Bay, people of the village feel they are ignored because of its size. In fact, the isolation is so severe the priorities for development in Ilvanof Bay go undocumented. Photo by Patty Beck
EPILOGUE:
Pursuing a community development project
within a village of Bristol Bay is often a difficult
task. The people are only recently learning how
to deal with bureaucrats and the importance of
paperwork. Problems with communications
must be overcome. Telephones do not exist in
each household; each village usually only has one
central phone, not infrequently out of service,
leaving villages with a severe lack of communica-
tions for days.
Village leaders must take into consideration
the high cost of construction existing in their
remote communities. Transportation costs are
extremely high, having an impact on the type of
community development projects the villagers
are able to successfully pursue. It can cost twice
as much to construct a building in local com-
munities as it does in Anchorage or Seattle, for
instance.
Most villages must consider the changes in
their lifestyle necessary to actively seek com-
munity development projects. Many villagers
live in a world of hunting, fishing and trapping,
and must be concerned about daily subsistence,
especially considering the extreme high cost of
living existing in the villages.
Although they must overcome the difficulties
present, village leaders realize the importance
of public facilities and other projects in their
communities. Villagers realize they must
become more self sufficient to help combat the high cost of living. In trying to overcome the high costs, for example, they would like to see
their village airports improved and extended so
they can open the opportunity to fly in goods
directly from Anchorage if economically advan-
tageous.
Several communities need buik fuel storage
facilities. They believe bulk fuel storage tanks
would not only cut down on the high price of
fuel, but would make fuel available throughout
the year. Several communities in the region face
fuel shortages each winter and must fly fuel in at
extremely high prices. Such facilities could be
commercial ventures for local village corpora-
tions or private entrepreneurs, creating new job
opportunities. ;
A number of communities would benefit con-
siderably from the establishment of cooperative
or privately owned stores. Villagers in many com-
munities must purchase their goods from
regional centers such as Dillingnam or Naknek,
making it expensive and difficult for them to ob-
tain necessary goods.
Village leaders express the need to improve liv-
ing conditions. Adequate housing is a strong
need in many villages. Water and sewer systems
would prove beneficial in many villages to im-
prove existing health conditions. Improved elec-
trical systems is another important need.
Villages would like to obtain their own heavy
equipment so they can maintain their own roads
and trails, dumps, and perform other general
village maintenance.
There 2 are many other economic development opportunities identified by the local com-
munities, all of which would be impossible to put in a booklet of this size. Each village is unique, and in many cases the village leaders have dif-
ferent ideas of what is important. By studying
At Elder's conference in Dillingham, 1980
the needs of each village presented here, one will recognize the wide range of the projects prioritized by each community.
Economic development in Bristol Bay must be pursued from the ground up. Without an ade- quate community infrastructure, village people will not be able to deal with the complexities of pursuing public facilities and development pro- jects needed to help local people so quickly bridge the gap between their traditional sub- sistence economy and the modern cash econo- my.
In conclusion, it is hoped that the information
presented in this booklet will be a working docu- ment for the various state and federal agencies which play so important a role in rural Alaska. Hopefully, too, the information here will give Bristol Bay residents an idea of how the region is progressing as a whole, and will give “outsiders” an idea of what Bristol Bay is all about. Photo by Patty Beck Much of the information in this booklet was compiled by Patty Beck and Andy Golia of the Bristol Bay Native Associa-
tion, made possible by planning grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Alaska Depart- ment of Commerce and Economic Development. Much thanks must be given to the many people of the Bristol Bay Native Association, the Village Council members of the villages of Bristol Bay, and the many other individuals who have contributed information and ideas.
49
Some identified needs of Bristol Bay's villages
Aleknagik
Chignik
Chignik Lagoon
Chignik Lake
Clark’s Point
Dillingham
Egegik
Ekwok
Ekuk
Igiugig
lliamna
lvanof Bay
Kokhanok
Koliganek
Levelock
Manokotak
Naknek
Newhalen
New Stuyahok
Nondalton
Pedro Bay
Perryville
Pilot Point
Portage Creek
Port Heiden
South Naknek
Togiak
Twin Hills
Ugashik
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Design and Typsetting:
a KK Treneing Conclasins