Community Type: 2nd Class City
Current Population: 204
Borough Name: Unorganized
Regional Native Corporation: Doyon, Limited
REAA/School District: Yukon Koyukuk School District
Ruby is located on the south bank of the Yukon River, about 50 air miles east of Galena and 230 air miles west of Fairbanks.
Ruby historically served as a supply point for prospectors, and was named after the red stones found on the riverbank. Gold strikes in 1907 and 1911 attracted hundreds of prospectors to the area. Ruby's current residents are Koyukon Athabaskans of the Nowitna-Koyukuk band, a nomadic group who followed game with the changing seasons.
The traditional Athabaskan culture and subsistence practices are an active part of village life.
Subsistence is an important part of the local economy; most of the employment is government-funded. Ruby also has a number of small, family-operated businesses. Summer fire-fighting and winter trapping are cash sources. 12 residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Ruby is accessible by air and water transportation. A State-owned airstrip is available. Cargo barges make several trips each year, but there is no dock or freight facility on shore.
Ruby has a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences between summer and winter. Temperatures range from below zero to the high 70s. Average precipitation is 17 inches, with 66 inches of snowfall annually.
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