• Kikiktagruk (Kotzebue, Alaska)

     
    Kotzebue  
     

    Kotzebue, Alaska is the home of the Alaska Technical Center. The Iñupiaq name for Kotzebue is Kikiktagruk (ki-kik-tug-rook), which means “a place that is shaped like a long island”. Kotzebue is located approximately 30 miles above of the Arctic Circle and the current population of Kotzebue is approximately 3,600 people.

    Kotzebue has been an active trade center for hundreds of years and still functions as such today due to its strategic location. Three major river systems drain into the Kotzebue Sound; they are the Noatak River, Kobuk River, and Selawik River. These river systems are easily accessible from Kotzebue. Kotzebue is the economic, social, and cultural center of Northwest Alaska. Kotzebue has amenities available such as water and sewer services and the Maniilaq Health Center provides modern medical services. A variety of programs and services are provided by the city, tribal, and borough governments to meet most needs of the residents of Kotzebue.

    With a present population of over 3,600 people, Kotzebue continues a steady growth. As a transportation center, Kotzebue provides a stepping-off place for many villages, Red Dog Mine, and vast areas of wilderness and mountains. There are scheduled passenger flights daily to Nome, Anchorage, Fairbanks and to area villages as well. The local Nullagvik (pronounced “noo-lug-vik” and means a place to stay) Hotel offers accommodations for visitors and friends as well as other local bed and breakfast facilities.

     

    As a region:

    The NANA Region is the second largest borough in Alaska, comprising approximately 39,000 square miles along the Kotzebue Sound, Wullik, Noatak, Kobuk, Selawik, Buckland and Kugruk Rivers. The area encompasses 35,898.3 sq. miles of land and 4,863.7 sq. miles of water. The region experiences a transitional climate, characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. Temperatures range from -52 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Total precipitation averages nine inches per year and average annual snowfall is forty seven inches.

    History, Culture and Demographics

    This region has been occupied by Inupiat people for at least 10,000 years. "Kikiktagruk" was the hub of ancient arctic trading routes. Kotzebue Sound was "discovered" in 1818 by the German Lt. Otto Von Kotzebue on behalf of Russia. In 1899 a post office was established in Kotzebue. Most cities in the region developed as supply stations for Interior gold mining, and were settled around schools and churches. The population of the community consists of 85.8% Alaska Native or part Native. The regions population is primarily Inupiat Eskimo, and subsistence activities are a vital part of the lifestyle. Residents rely on caribou, reindeer, beluga whale, birds, four species of seals, berries, greens and fish. The unemployment rate at that time was 15.55%, although 46.42 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $45,976, per capita income was $15,286.

     

    Economy and Transportation

    Activities related to government, mining, health care, transportation, services and construction contribute to the economy. The Red Dog Mine, 90 miles north of Kotzebue, is the world's largest zinc and lead mine, and provides 370 direct year-round jobs. The ore is owned by NANA Regional Corporation and leased to TeckAlaska, which owns and operates the mine and shipping facilities. TeckAlaska, Maniilaq Association, the Northwest Arctic Borough School District and Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corp. (KIC) are the regions largest employers. The smaller communities rely on subsistence food-gathering and Native craft-making. 134 residents in the region hold commercial fishing permits. The City of Kotzebue is the "hub" of northwest Alaska and is the transfer point between ocean and inland shipping. Kotzebue does not have a natural harbor and is ice-free for only three months each year. Deep draft vessels must anchor 15 miles off shore, and cargo is lightered to the docking facility. Local barge services provide cargo to area communities. Ralph Wien Memorial Airport supports daily jet service and air taxis to Anchorage.