Kivalina
Kivalina is at the tip of an 8-mile barrier reef located between the Chukchi Sea and Kivalina (Kiv-uh-LEE-nuh) River. Long a stopping off place for seasonal travelers between arctic coastal areas and Kotzebue Sound communities, it lies 80 air miles northwest of Kotzebue. It is the only village in the region where people hunt the bowhead whale. At one time, the village was located at the north end of the Kivalina Lagoon, but soon due to erosion it was moved to its present location on the south end. Due to severe erosion and wind-driven ice damage, the City intends to relocate to a new site 7.5 miles away. The village is home to about 450 residents, 97% Alaska Native.