Back to YK
Community Type: Alatna is located in City of Allakaket which is a 2nd Class City
Current Population: Alatna: 32, Allakaket: 178
Borough Name: Unorganized
Regional Native Corporation: Doyon, Limited
REAA/School District: Yukon Koyukuk School District
Allakaket is on the south bank of the Koyukuk river, southwest of its junction with the Alatna River, approximately 190 air miles northwest of Fairbanks and 57 miles upriver from Hughes. The village of Alatna, which is within the municipal boundaries of the City of Allakaket, is located directly across on the north bank of the Koyukuk river, southwest of its junction with the Alatna River.
Alatna was historically a trading center for Koyukon Athabaskans and Kobuk Eskimos. The two groups have lived as neighbors and kin for about 90 years. In September 1994, flood waters destroyed and swept away all of Alatna and Allakaket's buildings, homes, and food supply for the winter. Residents were relocated to other villages for the winter. Villager's homes were rebuilt at a new location.
Allakaket has historically been occupied by Koyukon Athabaskans and Kobuk and Nunamiut Eskimos. The various bands established joint settlements after 1851. The first mission on the Koyukuk River, St. John's-in-the-Wilderness, was established here in 1906. In September 1994, flood waters destroyed and swept away all of the community's buildings, homes, and food supply for the winter. Residents were relocated to other villages for the winter. The City is rebuilding homes and facilities at a new location.
The Alatna population consists largely of descendants of Kobuk Eskimos; Athabaskans predominantly live across the river in Allakaket. Subsistence activities are prevalent. Traditional potlatches, dances and foot races attract visitors from area villages. Subsistence activities provide the majority of food sources.
Subsistence is an important part of the local economy. Most cash jobs are part-time, seasonal, or through self-employment. A few earn income from trapping or traditional Native handicrafts. Construction and BLM emergency firefighting also provide summer jobs.
Alatna and Allakaket have no road link, but winter trails connect them with each other, Hughes, Bettles and Tanana. River transportation is important in summer, but there is no dock or commercial barge access. A state-owned 3,500' lighted runway is accessible year-round in Allakaket.
The area experiences a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences, ranging from -40 to 70 degrees. Average precipitation is 13 inches, with 72 inches of snowfall.
Back to YK