Welcome to Kaktovik: A Hidden Arctic Gem
Perched on the windswept shores of Barter Island, Kaktovik stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the people of the Arctic. This secluded village lies 90 miles west of the Canadian border and 280 miles southeast of Barrow, cradled between the shimmering waters of the Beaufort Sea and the sweeping wilderness of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Arriving in Kaktovik is like stepping into an ancient story, where the ruins of old Kaktovik greet you along the road from the airport, offering a glimpse into the community’s storied past. Incorporated as a second-class city in 1971, Kaktovik seamlessly blends its rich Iñupiat heritage with the quiet march of modernity.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Surrounded by the immense Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Kaktovik is a community deeply connected to its land, yet faced with the unique challenge of limited access to it. While the 20-million-acre refuge is home to a stunning array of wildlife, it was established for conservation without any consultation with the local Iñupiat residents, restricting their ability to use the land freely. These limitations impact traditional practices like hunting, gathering, and access to their lands —essential elements of their cultural identity. For the people of Kaktovik, the land isn’t just a wilderness to be preserved; it’s their ancestral home, filled with meaning and history. It’s also the means to provide for the next generation.
This tension leaves Kaktovik in a difficult position. Though subsistence hunting is permitted, many feel the regulations overlook the fact that these lands have always been theirs to manage and use. In comparison to other communities, whose subsistence rights were enshrined after the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the people of Kaktovik have had to fight for every freedom they enjoy. The community continuously advocates for greater autonomy over how their land is used, emphasizing the need to balance environmental preservation with their right to maintain and pass down traditional practices. The desire for self-determination is ever-present, as Kaktovik works to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their land, their culture, and their future.
For more information, please read In This Place, a document created by the people of Kaktovik
A Community Rooted in Tradition
As of 2024, Kaktovik has a population of 267 residents. Over 95% of residents identify as Iñupiat, deeply connected to the land and sea. Subsistence living is not just a way of survival—it’s a way of life. Whaling, fishing, and hunting weave the fabric of this community, where the pursuit of Dall sheep, bowhead whale, caribou, and fox sustains both the body and spirit. Visitors may also be charmed by the intricate arts and crafts the villagers create, from delicately etched baleen to carved ivory and traditional masks. These works, rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, offer a tactile connection to Kaktovik’s cultural soul.
Although remote, Kaktovik’s economy thrives through its ties to the North Slope Borough, with two-thirds of its workforce serving the borough or local school district. The private sector, led by Native corporations, further supports the community, ensuring that tradition and progress continue to walk hand-in-hand.
Living the Good Life in the Far North
Life in Kaktovik may be rugged, but it’s far from lacking in modern comforts. The North Slope Borough provides public electricity, piped water, and sewer services, ensuring the essentials are at every doorstep. Trash pick-up is even free of charge, lightening the load of daily life.
Communication here is surprisingly robust—phones, public radio, and cable television keep residents connected to the wider world. In times of need, the local health clinic, staffed by dedicated community health aides, stands ready to provide care, with 24-hour emergency services available. The public safety building and fire station, complete with engines and ambulances, ensure that help is always nearby.
For daily supplies, the Kaktovik Iñupiat Corporation’s store is a lifeline, offering everything from groceries to clothing, hardware to sporting goods. Whether you’re in need of fuel—be it diesel, propane, or gasoline—or looking to charter a plane for a breathtaking flight over the Arctic landscape, Kaktovik has you covered.
Where the Sky Meets the Sea: Getting to Kaktovik
Despite its remote location, Kaktovik is far from inaccessible. Regular air service connects the village to Deadhorse and Fairbanks, with cargo planes and barges ensuring that goods make their way to this northern outpost. It’s a place where adventure is as vast as the horizon, where the sun never sets in summer and the auroras dance across winter skies.
Kaktovik is more than a place on the map; it’s a way of life—an enduring connection between the people, their land, and the ever-changing Arctic. Whether you’re drawn by its wilderness, its warm community spirit, or its deep-rooted traditions, Kaktovik promises an unforgettable experience, where the wonders of the North reveal themselves in every season.
Links
Contact
City of Kaktovik
PO Box 27
Kaktovik, AK 99747
Phone Number: (907) 640-6313
Website: http://www.cityofkaktovik.org/
Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation
PO Box 73
Kaktovik, AK 99747
Phone Number: (907) 640-6120
Native Village of Kaktovik
PO Box 8
Kaktovik, AK 99747
Phone Number: (907) 640-2042
