Welcome to Anaktuvuk Pass: The Heart of the Brooks Range
Nestled on a divide between the Anaktuvuk and John Rivers, Anaktuvuk Pass is a picturesque village encircled by the towering peaks of the central Brooks Range. Located approximately 250 miles northwest of Fairbanks and a similar distance southeast of Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), it stands as the gateway to the stunning wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Anaktuvuk Pass, named “the place of caribou droppings,” sits along an ancient migration route that has guided the caribou—and the people who follow them—for centuries.
The Legacy of the Nunamiut: A Living Tradition
Anaktuvuk Pass is more than a village; it is the last remaining settlement of the inland Iñupiat, known as the Nunamiut. These nomadic people roamed the Brooks Range for generations, living off the land, before scattering in the early 1900s due to the collapse of the caribou population. By the 1940s, several Nunamiut families returned to their ancestral home, settling in the broad, treeless valley of Anaktuvuk Pass. Here, they re-established their way of life, blending age-old traditions with the modern world. Officially incorporated as a second-class city in 1957, the community embodies resilience and adaptation, holding fast to its cultural heritage while embracing change.
The year-round Simon Paneak Memorial Museum serves as a bridge between the past and present, showcasing the early natural, geological, and cultural history of the area. Visitors can explore displays of traditional Nunamiut clothing, hunting tools, and household goods, as well as artifacts from the era of first contact with Western explorers. The museum also tells the story of ancient migrations, stretching back to the crossing of the Bering Land Bridge, painting a vivid picture of life in the Arctic over millennia.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
When the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve was established, it was done without the consent of the local people, who suddenly found themselves surrounded by federally protected land. Despite these challenges, the community has worked tirelessly to maintain their traditional way of life while advocating for greater control over their lands. Much of the area immediately surrounding Anaktuvuk Pass is owned by the village corporation (Nunamiut Corporation) or the regional corporation (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation), and access to these lands without permission is considered trespassing. Visitors to the park are advised to respect these ownership boundaries, and there are specific easements in place to ensure access for those wishing to explore the park responsibly.
An Economy Rooted in the Land
In 2024, Anaktuvuk Pass was home to 395 residents, with Iñupiat making up over 84% of the population. The community’s economy is deeply intertwined with the land, primarily relying on subsistence hunting of caribou. The pursuit of caribou, along with fishing and gathering, sustains the community, while connecting them to their surroundings and their heritage. Residents also craft intricate caribou skin masks and carvings, creating a unique form of art that is sought after by collectors and visitors alike.
Employment in Anaktuvuk Pass is largely supported by the public sector, which provides 76% of local jobs. The North Slope Borough and the local school district are major employers, ensuring essential services are available to the community. The private sector, led by the Nunamiut Corporation, supports the village by running a local store, supplying groceries, merchandise, and fuel. Traditional craftsmanship and local enterprises walk hand-in-hand, symbolizing the blend of culture and modernity that defines life in the village.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Life in Anaktuvuk Pass is shaped by its remote, stunning location. While the terrain is rugged, the community enjoys essential modern conveniences, thanks to the North Slope Borough’s provision of public electricity, piped water, and sewer services. Residents benefit from trash pick-up services free of charge, lightening the burden of daily chores in this remote community.
The community is well-prepared to care for its residents, with a health clinic staffed by dedicated community health aides ready to provide care and emergency services around the clock. The local public safety building and fire station, equipped with engines and ambulances, ensure that assistance is never far away. Education is central to community life, with the Nunamiut School offering classes from preschool through grade 12, as well as vocational and adult education programs.
Anaktuvuk Pass remains dry, with the sale and possession of alcoholic beverages prohibited by law. This policy is in line with the village’s efforts to foster a safe and supportive environment for all residents.
Gateway to Adventure: Reaching Anaktuvuk Pass
Despite its isolation, Anaktuvuk Pass is accessible year-round. Scheduled and chartered flights from Fairbanks and Barrow provide a lifeline to the outside world, while cargo arrives by air transport. The village is connected to the wider world through phone, mail, public radio, internet, and cable television, allowing residents to stay informed and in touch.
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of mountains, rivers, and lakes, Anaktuvuk Pass is perhaps the most scenic village on the North Slope. Here, the spirit of adventure meets the serenity of the land. Whether you come to experience the culture, explore the museum’s wonderful exhibits, or simply take in the stunning vistas of the Brooks Range, Anaktuvuk Pass promises a glimpse into a way of life that remains steadfast in its traditions, yet open to the possibilities of tomorrow.
Links
Contact
City of Anaktuvuk Pass
PO Box 21030
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721
Phone Number: (907) 661-3612
Nunamiut Corporation
PO Box 21009
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721
Phone Number: (907) 661-3026
Nagsragmiut
PO Box 21023
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721
Phone Number: (907) 661-2575
