NUIQSUT
The Community
Nuiqsut is located 15 to 18 miles south of the Nechelik Channel entrance, which is the head of the Colville River at the Beaufort Sea, and 136 miles southeast of Barrow. The Colville River Delta has traditionally been a gathering and trading place for the Inupiat and a good source for hunting and fishing. After 27 Barrow families moved overland to the area, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation funded construction of the village in 1974. The new residents lived in a tent city for 18 months before permanent housing could be built. Nuiqsut was incorporated as a second-class city in 1975.
Population and Economy
In 2003, there were 416 residents in Nuiqsut and a labor force of 169. Approximately 92 percent of residents are Inupiat Eskimos. Like all North Slope villages, Nuiqsut's economy is based primarily on subsistence hunting, fishing and whaling. Local game includes bowhead whales, caribou, seals, moose, and waterfowl; fish include whitefish, burbot, arctic char and grayling.
Nearly a third of the work force is employed in the private sector. Most residents work for the Kuukpik Village Corporation or the construction industry. The North Slope Borough and the School District employs another 37 percent.
Some residents sell local arts and crafts including skin masks and boats, fur mittens, parkas and carved ivory.
Quality of Life
All but one of the Nuiqsut households in 2003 had running water, whereas 20 percent of the households in 1998 were without it. The borough provides public electricity. The also provide free trash and sewage pick-up services. About 9 out of 10 households have flush toilets.
Trapper School holds classes from pre-school to grade 12 and offers adult basic education. A health clinic, staffed by community health aides, is open each day and is available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Nuiqsut has a police station and fire station equipped with fire engines and an ambulance. The village also has a public transit system. Communications include phones, mail, public radio and cable TV and internet service.
Nuiqsut has an Alaska Commercial Store with supplies available in town include groceries, clothing, first-aid supplies, hardware, camera film and sporting goods. Available fuel includes marine gas, diesel, propane, white gas kerosene and regular gasoline. The city of Nuiqsut bans the possession, sale and importation of alcoholic beverages.
Residents and visitors enjoy such activities as snowmobile rides, bingo and activities at the Kisik Community Center. Traditional dances are performed on the Fourth of July and at other celebrations. The community is served by the Presbyterian Church. Nuiqsut also has a softball field.
Nuiqsut is served by scheduled and chartered flights from Barrow and Prudhoe Bay. Freight arrives year-round by air cargo.
Nuiqsut residents have access to the Dalton Highway 4 months out of the year. Nuiqsut is the most northern town with road access.
For more information contact:
City of Nuiqsut
PO Box 148
Nuiqsut, AK 99789
(907) 480-6727