Northwest Arctic Borough
Comprehensive
Economic Development
Strategy
September, 2004
Prepared by:
Lee Stoops
Director
Northwest Arctic Borough
Economic Development
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Forward . ..3
II. Summary . ......4
III. Organization and Management .6
IV. The Area and Its Economy . ..6
1. Ambler...........................................................................................7
2. Buckland........................................................................................8
3. Deering..........................................................................................9
4. Kiana.............................................................................................10
5. Kivalina.........................................................................................11
6. Kobuk............................................................................................12
7. Kotzebue.......................................................................................13
8. Noatak...........................................................................................14
9. Noorvik..........................................................................................15
10. Selawik........................................................................................16
11. Shungnak.....................................................................................17
A. Geography .. 18
1. Cultural/Historic Site......................................................................18
2. Land Ownership and Management...................................................20
B. Population, Urban Centers and Employment .. .. .22
1. Labor Force.......................................................................................30
C. Natural Resources . .. ..31
1. Minerals..........................................................................................31
2. Fishing............................................................................................33
V. Evaluation ... 35
A. Job Opportunities at Red Dog ..... ..35
B. Seafood Harvesting and Processing ..... ..36
C. Meat Processing ..... ...37
D. Arts and Crafts Development ..... 37
E. Guest Accommodations ..... .38
F. Tourism ..... ...39
G. Sewing of Traditional Clothing .... .39
VI. Goals and Objectives ..... .41
VII. Three Year Status Report ..... . 47
Forward
The mission statement for economic development, as stated by the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly, is to promote development that is consistent, whenever possible, with the traditional culture and values of the region. Despite the fact that traditional culture is based on a subsistence, non-cash culture, we believe that preservation of many of the values of that life-style are conducive to the economic well-being of the present and future residents of the Borough. Beyond that, our plan is focused on assisting local residents in filling a greater number of existing jobs, expanding the number of job opportunities, preparing our work force to take full advantage of those new opportunities, and reducing the cost of living within the region.
In the ten villages outside of Kotzebue (Kivalina, Noatak, Kiana, Noorvik, Ambler, Shungnak, Kobuk, Selawik, Buckland and Deering), 65% of the working age population does not have full-time employment at this time. These villages currently have between 15 and 45 full-time jobs available, mostly with the school, city and village governments, and local stores. Kotzebue, on the other hand, has an abundance of jobs, and there are generally from 40 to 60 vacant positions. The Red Dog Mine employs about 100 residents of the region, which represent about 20% of the mines workforce. Commercial fishing, which has traditionally provided seasonal employment for fifty or more residents, has been dormant for the past three years due to the low market value of the regions salmon and lack of local processing. Arts and crafts provide a full-time equivalent income for less than 10 residents of the region and a supplemental income for at least 100 others. Construction jobs on a variety of projects including schools, housing, roads, and other facilities provide temporary jobs that fluctuate in number from year to year. The number of tourism-related visits to the region has declined over the last decade. In June of 2003, there were 155 open temporary assistance cases in the region and at least twice that number of food stamp recipients.
SUMMARY
Background
The Northwest Arctic Borough is the second-largest borough in Alaska, comprising approximately 39,000 square miles (roughly the size of the state of Indiana) and eleven villages along the Kotzebue Sound, Wulli, Noatak, Kobuk, Selawik, Buckland and Kugruk Rivers. It lies at approximately 66.9° North Latitude and -162.58333° West Longitude. The area encompasses 35,898.3 sq. miles of land and 4,863.7 sq. miles of water. The area experiences a transitional climate, characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. Temperatures range from -52 to 85. Snowfall averages 47 inches, with total precipitation of 9 inches per year.
The current population of the Borough is about 7,300, of which 85.8% are Inupiaq Eskimo. The highest concentration of residents is in the City of Kotzebue (3,107), which serves as the hub a region consisting of the villages of Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik and Shungnak. The Borough population is primarily Inupiat Eskimo, and subsistence activities are a vital part of the lifestyle. Residents rely on caribou, reindeer, beluga whale, birds, four species of seals, berries, greens, and fish.
Economy
Activities related to government, mining, health care, transportation, services and construction contribute to the economy. The Red Dog Mine, 90 miles north of Kotzebue, is the world's largest zinc and lead mine, and provides 370 direct year-round jobs and over a quarter of the borough's wage and salary payroll. The ore is owned by NANA Regional Corporation and leased to Cominco, which owns and operates the mine and shipping facilities.
Maniilaq Association, the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, Teck-Cominco, NANA Corporation, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corp (KIC) and the traditional village and city governments are the borough's largest employers. The smaller communities, in particular, rely on subsistence food-gathering and Native craft-making. 162 borough residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Teck-Cominco is the operator of the Red Dog Mine, 90 miles to the north of Kotzebue. The entire Red Dog operation employs over 500 people working on shifts such as two weeks on and one week off. While over 250 positions are filled by NANA shareholders or spouses, less than 140 of those employees reside within the boundaries of the Northwest Arctic Borough. With sufficient income to pay for housing and living expenses, many mine employees have chosen the Anchorage area for residence, particularly since the mine provides free transportation between Anchorage and the mine.
Village life will always be sustainable for those who are self-reliant. However, as self-reliance skills continue to disappear, it will be more and more difficult for people to reside in villages without expanding welfare programs. At the same time, it will be very difficult for residents to successfully relocate to larger cities without a level of education that will allow them to find work.
The City of Kotzebue is the transfer point between ocean and inland shipping. It does not have a natural harbor, and is ice-free for only four months each year. Deep draft vessels must anchor 15 miles out, and cargo is lightered to the docking facility. Local barge services provide cargo to area communities. Ralph Wien Memorial Airport supports daily jet service and air taxis to Anchorage both directly and via Nome.
Organization and Management
The Northwest Arctic Borough has assembled an Economic Development Commission. The commission consists of nine members, all of whom are residents of the Northwest Arctic Borough.
The Area and its Economy
Background Information
Historical Perspective of
the Northwest Arctic Borough
The Northwest Arctic Borough has been occupied by Inupiat Eskimos for at least 10,000 years. "Kikiktagruk", the indigenous name for Kotzebue, was the hub of ancient arctic trading routes. Kotzebue Sound was "discovered" in 1818 by the German Lt. Otto Von Kotzebue on behalf of Russia. In 1899 a post office was established in Kotzebue. Most cities in the borough developed as supply stations for Interior gold mining, and were settled around schools and churches. The Borough was incorporated as a First Class Borough in 1986 and became a Home Rule Borough in 1987.
Today, reliance on the land remains a traditional way of life many Inupiat people, especially in the villages. Just as their ancestors had for centuries before them, the Inupiat people of today depend heavily on subsistence hunting and fishing. While the development of a modern economy has opened many opportunities, subsistence continues to have a strong cultural and social significance.
Ambler
Ambler is named after Dr. James M. Ambler, U.S. Navy, surgeon on the U.S.S. Jeannette, who perished in 1881 in the Lena River delta while with the Arctic expedition under the command of Lt. Comdr. G.W. DeLong (1879-1880.) Ambler was permanently settled in 1958 when people from Shungnak and Kobuk moved upstream because of the variety of fish, wild game and spruce trees in the area. An archaeological site is located nearby at Onion Portage. A post office was established in 1963. The City was incorporated in 1971.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Ambler Traditional Council. 86.7% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Buckland
The residents have moved from one site to another along the river at least five times in recent memory, to places known as Elephant Point, Old Buckland and New Site. The presence of many fossil finds at Elephant Point indicate prehistoric occupation of the area. The Inupiaq Eskimos depend on reindeer, beluga whale and seal for survival. The City government was incorporated in 1966.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Native Village of Buckland. 96.8% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Deering
The village was established in 1901 as a supply station for Interior
gold mining near the historic Malemiut Eskimo village of "Inmachukmiut."
The name Deering was probably taken from the 90-ton schooner "Abbey
Deering," which was in nearby waters around 1900. The City was
incorporated in 1970.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Native Village of Deering. 94.1% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Kiana
Kiana means "a place where three rivers meet." It was established long
ago as the central village of the Kobuk River Kowagmiut Inupiat Eskimos.
In 1909, it became a supply center for the Squirrel River placer mines.
A post office was established in 1915. The City government was
incorporated in 1964. Prior to the formation of the Northwest Arctic
Borough in 1976, the BIA high school taught students from Noatak,
Shungnak and Ambler, who boarded with local residents.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Kiana Traditional Council. 92.8% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Kivalina
Kivalina has long been a stopping-off place for seasonal travelers
between arctic coastal areas and Kotzebue Sound communities. It is the
only village in the region where people hunt the bowhead whale. At one
time, the village was located at the north end of the Kivalina Lagoon.
It was reported as "Kivualinagmut" in 1847 by Lt. Zagoskin of the
Russian Navy. Lt. G.M. Stoney of the U.S. Navy reported the village as "Kuveleek"
in 1885. A post office was established in 1940. An airstrip was built in
1960. Kivalina incorporated as a City in 1969. During the 1970s, new
houses, a new school and an electric system were constructed in the
village. Prior to 1976, high school students from Noatak would attend
school in Kivalina, and board with local families. Due to severe erosion
and wind-driven ice damage, the City intends to relocate to a new site
7.5 miles away. Relocation alternatives have been studied and a new site
has
been designed and engineered. The relocation is estimated to cost $102
million.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Native Village of Kivalina. 96.6% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Kobuk
Kobuk was founded in 1899 as a supply point for mining activities in the
Cosmos Hills to the north, and was then called Shungnak. A trading post,
school, and Friends Mission drew area residents to the settlement. Due
to river erosion and flooding, the village was relocated in the 1920s to
a new site 10 miles downstream, which was called "Kochuk," now Shungnak.
The few who remained at the village renamed it Kobuk. Ice jams on the
River cause high water each year. In May 1973, a flood covered the
entire village. In October 1973, the City was incorporated.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Kobuk. 93.6% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Kotzebue
This site has been occupied by Inupiat Eskimos for at least 600 years. "Kikiktagruk"
was the hub of ancient arctic trading routes long before European
contact, due to its coastal location near a number of rivers. The German
Lt. Otto Von Kotzebue "discovered" Kotzebue Sound in 1818 for Russia.
The community was named after the Kotzebue Sound in 1899 when a post
office was established. Since the turn of the century, expansion of
economic activities and services in the area have enabled Kotzebue to
develop relatively rapidly. The City was formed in 1958. An Air Force
Base and White Alice Communications System were later constructed.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Kotzebue IRA Council. 76.7% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Noatak
It was established as a fishing and hunting camp in the 19th century.
The rich resources of this region enabled the camp to develop into a
permanent settlement. The 1880 census listed the site as Noatagamut,
which means "inland river people." A post office was established in
1940.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Noatak Village Council. 96% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Noorvik
Noorvik means "a place that is moved to." The village was established by
Kowagmuit Inupiat Eskimo fishermen and hunters from Deering in the early
1900s. The village was also settled by people from Oksik, a few miles
upriver. A post office was established in 1937. The City government was
incorporated in 1964.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Noorvik Native Community. 95% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Selawik
Lt. L.A. Zagoskin of the Imperial Russian Navy first reported the
village in the 1840s as "Chilivik." Ivan Petroff counted 100 "Selawigamute"
people in his 1880 census. Selawik is an Eskimo name for a species of
fish. Around 1908, the site had a small wooden schoolhouse and church.
The village has continued to grow and has expanded across the Selawik
River onto three banks, linked by bridges. Selawik incorporated as a
First Class City in 1974, but in 1977, changed to a Second Class City
government.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Native Village of Selawik. 95.3% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Shungnak
Founded in 1899 as a supply point for mining activities in the Cosmos
Hills, this Inupiat Eskimo village was forced to move in the 1920s
because of river erosion and flooding. The old site, 10 miles upstream,
was renamed Kobuk by those who remained there. The new village was named
"Kochuk," but later reverted to Shungnak. This name is derived from the
Eskimo word "Issingnak," which means jade, a stone found extensively
throughout the surrounding hills. The City government was incorporated
in 1967.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Native Village of Shungnak. 94.5% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Geography
The northwest Arctic Borough is located in Northwest Alaska thirty-three miles north of the Arctic Circle. The Northwest Arctic Borough covers approximately 36,000 square miles in Northwest Alaska, with 3,156 miles of shoreline and 22,444 miles of coastal zone. It is the second largest Borough in Alaska and is roughly the size of the state of Indiana. Its current population is about 7,300. Its landmass encompasses the drainages of five major rivers: Wulik, Noatak, Kobuk, Selawik, and Buckland. The area boasts some of the most pristine, undisturbed wilderness in the world.
Cultural/Historic Sites
Cape Krusenstern National Monument is a long band of coastal plain favored by marine mammals and by migratory birds from around the world. Inland are rolling limestone hills that are home to bears, caribou, sheep, and smaller land mammals.
The monument's bluffs and 114 beach ridges record the changing shorelines of the Chukchi Sea over thousands of years, according to the National Park Service. The rows of ridges contain detailed evidence of 9,000 years of human use. Inupiaq Eskimos still hunt on the windswept cape, just as their ancestors did.
Cape Krusenstern was set aside by the
Park Service to protect a series of archeological sites depicting every
known cultural period in Arctic Alaska. As a national monument, it also
protects the habitat of the birds, seals and other marine mammals.
The Noatak National Preserve is located
north of Kotzebue, east of Noatak along
the Noatak River. The preserve is comprised of 6.5 million acres and
contains over 250 miles
of the 330-mile-long Noatak River and protects the largest untouched
mountain-ringed river basin in the US.
Wildlife at the preserve includes nesting waterfowl, black and brown bears, moose, foxes, wolves and the Western Arctic caribou herd. The terrain is mostly gentle hills and mountains covered with tundra, although the Grand Canyon of the Noatak is located in the middle part of the preserve.
Kobuk Valley National Park,
east of Kotzebue, encompasses 1.7 million acres and is the site of the
great Kobuk Sand Dunes. The Dunes, 25 square miles of shifting sand, is
the largest active dune flat in the arctic latitudes.
In the summer, temperatures can
exceed 90° F.
Archaeologists have found artifacts
12,000 years old at Onion Portage in the Kobuk Valley, which escaped
glaciation in the last ice age.
The land is flat and boggy near the river, with a low point of 50 feet
above sea level. Mountains to the north rise to 4,760 feet. Fishing and
firearms are permitted, but there is no hunting for sport. The park is
located at the junction of the North American and Asiatic flyways, so
good birding is possible. Kobuk Valley also has black and brown bears,
the Arctic caribou herd, Dall sheep, wolves and lynx.
Selawik National Wildlife Refuge
is located east of Kotzebue, across Hotham Inlet from the Baldwin
Peninsula.
This
Connecticut-size refuge is home to the Western Arctic caribou herd and
migrating waterfowl. The estuaries and lakes are summer homes to birds
from six continents. All four species of North American loons nest in
the refuge. Black and brown bears, moose and small mammals stay
year-round.
Long
ago, the area was a crossroads for Eskimos and Indians, and it is close
to the ancient Bering Land Bridge, straddling the Arctic Circle.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is located on the
northern
part of the Seward Peninsula, between Nome and Kotzebue.
The remote Bering Land Bridge National
Preserve covers hunting grounds traditionally used by Eskimos and their
ancestors, who arrived from Asia 13,000 years ago over a broad and
now-submerged land bridge from what is now Russia.
The preserve's western boundary reaches almost to the western tip of the
continent, a little over 40 miles from the International Date Line and
the Russian border.
The 2.6-million-acre preserve is home to raptors, waterfowl and some Asiatic species.
The landscape of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve includes barrier islands, low dunes and mountains. Plant life includes both wet and alpine tundra and brushy plants.
The preserve has old lava flows and craters caused by ash and steam explosions; the craters now contain lakes called maars. Further evidence of the geothermal history of the preserve is found at Serpentine Hot Springs, where the water temperature ranges between 140 and 170 degrees. Inupiat Eskimos call the place Iyat, meaning "cooking pot" or "a site for cooking."
There are remains of the gold rush, which reached the preserve around 1900. Abandoned gold dredges hand-dug by miners to transport water to the gold mines.
The area experiences a transitional climate, characterized by long winters and mild summers. Temperature ranges are some of the most extreme on earth, from -82 to 90 degrees. However, both of these extremes are very rare; lows in February average about -10 degrees and highs in July about 60 degrees. Snowfall averages 47 inches, with total precipitation of 9 inches per year. From June 2 through July 9 every year, the sun does not set, basking the entire region in perpetual sunlight.
Land Ownership and Management
Federal Lands
The Northwest Arctic Borough
has a land ownership pattern characterized by large blocks of land
managed by a small number of organizations. The majority of land in the
Borough is under federal ownership and management. The federa; areas
include lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park
Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Defense and the
Federal Aeronautics Administration. By far the largest holdings are
those administered by the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife. These
areas were established by congress and the President under the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). They include a
National Park, a National Monument, two National Preserves and two
National Wildlife Refuges.
State Lands
The State of Alaska is a
major land owner in the region, having selected and received title to
federal lands as a result of statehood. State lands are located in four
major areas of the Borough; north and east of Kivalina; north and east
of Ambler and Shungnak; along the Baldwin Peninsula south of Kotzebue
and south of Deering and Buckland. The state also has title to all the
tide and submerged lands within three miles of the ocean shore and title
to all land under navigable waters. State statue (AS 38.04.060)
requires that the Department of Natural Resources inventory state water
and land and the resources and values associated with the areas. The
inventory operates as a general plan to guide the use of state land.
The inventory is designed to give priority to areas of potential
settlement, economic development and critical environmental concern.
The state is beginning a final round of major land selection from
federal (BLM) lands. This selection may add additional areas of state
land within the Borough.
Native Lands
The two native corporations,
Northwest Alaskan Native Association (NANA) and Kikiktagruk Inupiat
Corporation (KIC), own the majority of private land in the region. NANA
and KIC received their lands as a provision of the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act. NANA Corporation holds title and rights to both surface
and subsurface, while KIC received only the surface rights. The KIC
surface rights do include gravel and material sources. KIC lands are
located around or near the City of Kotzebue. NANA corporation lands are
spread throughout the Borough and include lands near the villages
because of the merger of the regional and village corporations.
Management of these lands is by the respective corporations who have
staff and permit systems that regulate some activities. The use of
corporate lands are guided by a list of policies adopted by the
respective corporate boards. The policies are updated as required and
generally allow non-shareholder temporary use or access through a permit
system. Most major development activities require approval by the
respective corporate board. Because of the merger of the village
corporations with the regional NANA corporation, the areas around the
villages is now controlled by the regional corporation.
Municipal Lands
The cities in the Borough are in the process of receiving land from the
regional corporation under terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement
Act (ANCSA) section 14 C. They are also receiving excess land from the
townsite trustee program of the federal government. These land
transfers are very important because the land is located within and
immediately adjacent to the developed areas in the Borough. The need
for land for residential development is acute in all the villages.
Additional land is desperately needed for municipal services, schools,
airports and roads. Many of the residents of the Borough were born
after the adoption of ANCSA. These people are now young adults who need
their own lands and property. These transfers to the cities are the
first chance many have had to acquire property. Several cities are
planning sales of lands to provide their residents places to live and
raise families.
Population, Urban Centers &
Employment
The total population of the Northwest Arctic Borough is 7,266. The
following are descriptions of the major population areas in descending
order:
Kotzebue is on the Baldwin Peninsula in Kotzebue Sound, a 3-mile-long spit, which ranges in width from 1,100 to 3,600 feet. It is located near the discharges of the Kobuk, Noatak and Selawik Rivers, 549 air miles northwest of Anchorage and 26 miles above the Arctic Circle. It lies at approximately 66.89828° North Latitude and -162.59585° West Longitude. (Sec. 03, T017N, R018W, Kateel River Meridian.) Kotzebue is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 27.0 sq. miles of land and 1.7 sq. miles of water. The population of Kotzebue is 3,107. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 1,007 total housing units, and 118 were vacant. 47 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 1,255 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 9.8%, although 36.78% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $57,163, per capita income was $18,289, and 13.14% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Kotzebue is the service and transportation center for all villages in the northwest region. It has a healthy cash economy, a growing private sector, and a stable public sector. Due to its location at the confluence of three river drainages, Kotzebue is the transfer point between ocean and inland shipping. It is also the air transport center for the region. Activities related to oil and minerals exploration and development have contributed to the economy. The majority of income is directly or indirectly related to government employment, such as the School District, Maniilaq Association, the City and Borough. The Cominco Alaska Red Dog Mine is a significant regional employer. Commercial fishing for chum salmon provides some seasonal employment. 128 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Most residents rely on subsistence to supplement income.
Air is the primary means of transportation year-round. The State-owned Ralph Wien Memorial Airport supports daily jet service to Anchorage and several air taxis to the region's villages. It has a 5,900' main paved runway and 3,900' crosswind gravel runway. A seaplane base is also operated by the State. The shipping season lasts 100 days, from early July to early October, when the Sound is ice-free. Due to river sediments deposited by the Noatak River 4 miles above Kotzebue, the harbor is shallow. Deep draft vessels must anchor 15 miles out, and cargo is lightered to shore and warehoused. Crowley Marine Services operates shallow draft barges to deliver cargo to area communities. The City wants to examine the feasibility of developing a deep water port, since the cost of cargo delivery is high with the existing transportation systems. There are 26 miles of local gravel roads, used by cars, trucks and motorcycles during the summer. Snowmachines are preferred in winter for local transportation.
Selawik is located at the mouth of the Selawik River where it empties into Selawik Lake, about 90 miles east of Kotzebue. It lies 670 miles northwest of Anchorage. The City is near the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, a key breeding and resting spot for migratory waterfowl. It lies at approximately 66.60389° North Latitude and -160.00694° West Longitude. (Sec. 20, T014N, R006W, Kateel River Meridian.) Selawik is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 2.5 sq. miles of land and 0.9 sq. miles of water. The population of Selawik is 778. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 188 total housing units, and 16 were vacant. 1 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 130 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 34.34%, although 70.85% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $25,625, per capita income was $8,170, and 34.38% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Inhabitants of Selawik subsist mainly on whitefish, sheefish, caribou, moose, ducks, ptarmigan and berries. Occasionally, bartered seal and beluga whale supplement the diet. The primary employers in the community include the school, the City, the IRA, Maniilaq and three grocery stores. Fulltime jobs include 22 with the IRA, 12 with the City, 11 with local stores, eight airline agents and one each AVEC, OTZ Telephone and the airport. 10 residents commute to the Red Dog Mine. Handicrafts are made and sold locally and at gift shops in larger cities. Seasonal work is also found outside of Selawik at the Red Dog Mine, BLM firefighting or in lighterage operations. Three residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Selawik is accessible by plane and barge. The Roland Norton Memorial Airport provides a 3,000' gravel runway owned by the City. The State also owns a 3,000' gravel airstrip with a 2,670' crosswind strip. Scheduled flights are available to Kotzebue and area villages. Docking facilities and a barge landing area exist; freight is shipped upriver from Kotzebue each summer by Crowley Marine Services. Boardwalks have been constructed within the village. Boats, ATVs and snowmachines are prevalent forms of local travel.
Noorvik is located on the right bank of the Nazuruk Channel of the Kobuk River, 33 miles northwest of Selawik and 45 miles east of Kotzebue. The village is downriver from the 1.7-million acre Kobuk Valley National Park. It lies at approximately 66.83833° North Latitude and -161.03278° West Longitude. (Sec. 27, T017N, R011W, Kateel River Meridian.) Noorvik is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 1.0 sq. miles of land and 0.4 sq. miles of water. Noorvik is home to 677 residents. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 157 total housing units, and 21 were vacant. 6 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 181 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 19.56%, although 58.29% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $51,964, per capita income was $12,020, and 7.57% of residents were living below the poverty level.
The primary local employers are the school district, the City, the Maniilaq health clinic, Red Dog Mine and two stores. There are 88 fulltime jobs in Noorvik including 34 with the school district, 11 with Maniilaq, eight with the IRA, eight with the City, seven with the stores and one with the United States Post Office. In addition, 17 residents work for Teck Cominco and commute to the Red Dog Mine. Part time work including agents for regional airlines and seasonal employment at the Red Dog Mine, BLM fire fighting, or work in Kotzebue is also available. Seven residents hold commercial fishing permits. Caribou, fish, moose, waterfowl and berries are utilized.
Noorvik is accessible by plane and by shallow-draft vessels. There are no roads linking the village to other areas of the state. The State-owned Robert (Bob) Curtis Memorial Airport has a 3,200' lighted gravel runway and a 2,600' gravel crosswind runway. The airport is the second-largest in the borough. A new $5 million airport is under construction. Several regional air taxis provide service to Kotzebue and surrounding cities. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and supplies during the summer. Boats, ATVs and snowmachines are common means of transportation locally.
Noatak is located on the west bank of the Noatak River, 55 miles north of Kotzebue and 70 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This is the only settlement on the 396 mile-long Noatak River, just west of the 66-million acre Noatak National Preserve. It lies at approximately 67.57111° North Latitude and -162.96528° West Longitude. (Sec. 16, T025N, R019W, Kateel River Meridian.) Noatak is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 11.6 sq. miles of land and 0.7 sq. miles of water. The population of Noatak is 455. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 106 total housing units, and 6 were vacant. 106 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 25.35%, although 58.91% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $30,833, per capita income was $9,659, and 22.04% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Noatak's economy is principally based on subsistence, although the available employment is diverse. The school district, City, Maniilaq and retail stores are the primary employers. In June of 2003, Noatak had 54 fulltime jobs excluding Maniilaq. The school district employed 25, another 10 work for the IRA, nine airline agents, six at the local store and one each at OTZ Telephone, Post Office, Department of Transportation and GCI Cable. Another 23 residents work at the Red Dog Mine. Seven residents hold commercial fishing permits. During the summer, many families travel to seasonal fish camps at Sheshalik, and others find seasonal work in Kotzebue or fire-fighting. Chum salmon, whitefish, caribou, moose and waterfowl are harvested. Noatak is primarily accessed by air. The State-owned lighted gravel runway is 4,000'. Six regional air services provide cargo, mail and passenger services. There are currently no barge services to Noatak. Small boats, ATVs and snowmachines are used extensively for local transportation. Many historic trails along the Noatak River are important today for inter-village travel and subsistence uses.
Buckland is located on the west bank of the Buckland River, about 75 miles southeast of Kotzebue. It lies at approximately 65.97972° North Latitude and -161.12306° West Longitude. (Sec. 26, T007N, R012W, Kateel River Meridian.) Buckland is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 1.2 sq. miles of land and 0.2 sq. miles of water. The population of Buckland is 426. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 89 total housing units, and 5 were vacant. 94 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 33.8%, although 57.27% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $38,333, per capita income was $9,624, and 11.92% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Residents depend on a subsistence lifestyle for most food sources. A herd of more than 2,000 reindeer are managed; workers are paid in meat. Employment is primarily with the school, City, health clinic and stores. There are 65 fulltime jobs including 27 with the school district, 12 with Maniilaq, 12 with the City, seven with the IRA, five at the general store, two with OTZ Telephone and one each with NANA & the U.S. Postal Service. Another 15 residents are employed by Teck-Cominco and commute to the Red Dog mine. Some mining also occurs. One resident holds a commercial fishing permit. The community is interested in developing a Native food products and crafts manufacturing facility to produce reindeer sausage, berry products, labrador tea and ivory and wood carving.
Buckland's major means of transportation are plane, small boat, barge and snowmachine; there are no roads outside of the village. Buckland has a State-owned 2,580' gravel airstrip which serves a number of scheduled and chartered flights. Crowley Marine barges in fuel, and various lighterage companies deliver cargo and supplies each summer.
Kiana is located on the north bank of the Kobuk River, 57 air miles east of Kotzebue. It lies at approximately 66.975° North Latitude and -160.42278° West Longitude. (Sec. 09, T018N, R008W, Kateel River Meridian.) Kiana is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 0.2 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water. The population of Kiana is 399. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 133 total housing units, and 36 were vacant. 3 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 99 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 11.61%, although 51.23% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $39,688, per capita income was $11,534, and 11.24% of residents were living below the poverty level.
The economy depends on traditional subsistence activities, augmented by a cash economy. Chum salmon, freshwater fish, moose, caribou, waterfowl and berries are harvested. As of June, 2003, there are 49 fulltime jobs including 24 with the school district, 10 with Maniilaq, six with the City, five with the IRA, three at the local stores, three airline agents and one postal worker. The Red Dog Mine also employs 12 fulltime commuters at Teck Cominco, four for NANA Managment and one for NANA-Lynden. Kiana is one of the more modern villages in the Borough, and has three general stores. Two residents hold commercial fishing permits; seasonal employment also includes work on river barges, BLM fire-fighting and jade mining. There is local interest in constructing a whitefish and turbot value-added processing plant. The City is also interested in developing eco-tourism, primarily guided river trips to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.
The major means of transportation are plane, small boat and snowmachine. The State-owned Bob Baker Memorial Airport has a 3,400' lighted gravel runway. Daily scheduled flights and charter flights are provided. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and supplies each summer, and local store owners have large boats to bring supplies upriver. Boats, ATVs and snowmachines are used extensively for local travel, and there are many trucks. A road extends along the river to Kobuk Camp, and a network of old trading trails exists.
Kivalina is at the tip of an 8-mile barrier reef located between the Chukchi Sea and Kivalina River. It lies 80 air miles northwest of Kotzebue. It lies at approximately 67.72694° North Latitude and -164.53333° West Longitude. (Sec. 21, T027N, R026W, Kateel River Meridian.) Kivalina is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 1.9 sq. miles of land and 2.0 sq. miles of water. The population of Kivalina is 383. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 80 total housing units, and 2 were vacant. 82 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 25.45%, although 65.11% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $30,833, per capita income was $8,360, and 26.4% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Kivalina's economy depends on subsistence practices. Seal, walrus, whale, salmon, whitefish and caribou are utilized. The school, City, Maniilaq Association, village council, airlines and local stores provide year-round jobs. As of June 2003, there are 39 fulltime jobs in Kivalina including 20 with the school district, six airline agents, five with Maniilaq, three with the IRA, three with the store, two with the city and one with the Post Office. 10 residents commute to work for Teck Cominco at the Red Dog Mine. Six residents hold commercial fishing permits. Native carvings and jewelry are produced from ivory and caribou hooves. The community is interested in developing an Arts and Crafts Center that could be readily moved to the new city site. The major means of transportation into the community are plane and barge. The community needs a road to the proposed new City site, 7.5 miles away. A State-owned 3,000' gravel airstrip serves daily flights from Kotzebue. Crowley Marine Services barges goods from Kotzebue during July and August. Small boats, ATVs and snowmachines are used for local travel. Two main hunting trails follow the Kivalina and Wulik Rivers.
Ambler is located on the north bank of the Kobuk River, near the confluence of the Ambler and the Kobuk Rivers. It lies 45 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It is 138 miles northeast of Kotzebue, 30 miles northwest of Kobuk and 30 miles downriver from Shungnak. It lies at approximately 67.08611° North Latitude and -157.85139° West Longitude. (Sec. 31, T020N, R005E, Kateel River Meridian.) Ambler is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 9.5 sq. miles of land and 1.3 sq. miles of water. The population of Ambler is 295. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 98 total housing units, and 19 were vacant. 2 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 75 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 27.88%, although 46.81% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $43,500, per capita income was $13,712, and 14.29% of residents were living below the poverty level.
In June of 2003, there were 58 fulltime jobs including 24 with the school district, nine with Maniilaq, nine with the IRA, six with the City, eight for the local stores, one postal worker and one village public safety officer. Another eight residents commute to the Red Dog Mine. Ambler Air provides charter & scheduled flights. Five residents hold commercial fishing permits. Subsistence is a major part of the local economy. Chum salmon and caribou are the most important food sources. Freshwater fish, moose, bear, and berries are also harvested. Birch baskets, fur pelts, and jade, quartz, bone and ivory carvings are sold in gift shops throughout the state. The community is interested in developing a lapidary facility for local artisans. Ambler's major means of transportation are by barge, plane, small boat and snowmachine. There are no roads linking the City to other parts of the state. A State-owned 3,000' lighted gravel airstrip, with a 2,400' gravel crosswind airstrip, is located one and a half miles from the City. Daily scheduled services are provided out of Kotzebue, and air taxis provide charter flights. The airstrip has recently undergone major improvements. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and supplies to Ambler each summer. Boats are used for inter-village travel and subsistence activities. ATVs and snowmachines are commonly used in winter.
Shungnak is located on the west bank of the Kobuk River about 150 miles east of Kotzebue. The original settlement was 10 miles further upstream at Kobuk. It lies at approximately 66.88806° North Latitude and -157.13639° West Longitude. (Sec. 09, T017N, R008E, Kateel River Meridian.) Shungnak is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 8.4 sq. miles of land and 1.3 sq. miles of water. The population of Shungnak is 249. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 64 total housing units, and 8 were vacant. 1 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 79 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 27.52%, although 52.12% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $44,375, per capita income was $10,377, and 35.79% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Shungnak subsists mainly on fishing, seasonal employment, hunting and trapping. Subsistence food sources include sheefish, whitefish, caribou, moose, ducks and berries. Most full-time employment is with the school district, City, Maniilaq Association, two stores and a lodge. Eight residents commute to the Red Dog Mine. BLM provides seasonal employment in fire fighting, hiring over 30 residents each year. Shungnak also has a strong arts and crafts industry; residents make and sell finely-crafted baskets, masks, mukluks, parkas, hats and mittens. The community wants to develop a visitor center, mini-mall, post office and clinic complex at Dahl Creek. Shungnak is accessible by plane, barge or small boat. The State-owned lighted gravel runway is 3,160', and has scheduled regional air services. Major airport improvements are under construction. Fuel and supplies are barged in each summer by Crowley Marine Services of Kotzebue. Small boats, ATVs, snowmachines and dog sleds are used for local travel and subsistence activities. Trails along the river are still used for inter-village travel.
Deering is located on Kotzebue Sound at the mouth of the Inmachuk River, 57 miles southwest of Kotzebue. It is built on a flat sand and gravel spit 300 feet wide and a half-mile long. It lies at approximately 66.07497° North Latitude and -162.71274° West Longitude. (Sec. 20, T008N, R019W, Kateel River Meridian.) Deering is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 5.1 sq. miles of land and 0.1 sq. miles of water. Deering is home to 129 residents. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 61 total housing units, and 19 were vacant. 9 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 44 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 16.98%, although 51.65% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $33,333, per capita income was $11,000, and 5.76% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Deering's economy is a mix of cash and subsistence activities. Moose, seal and beluga whale provide most meat sources; pink salmon, tom cod, herring, ptarmigan, rabbit and waterfowl are also utilized. The Karmun-Moto reindeer herd of 1,400 animals provides some local employment. A number of residents earn income from handicrafts and trapping. The village is interested in developing a craft production facility and cultural center to train youth in Native crafts. The school, City, Maniilaq Assoc., stores, and an airline provide the only year-round jobs. As of June, 2003, the were 18 fulltime jobs in Deering, include five with the IRA, five airline agents, two each with Maniilaq, the City & store and one each with NANA & the Post Office. One resident commutes to the Red Dog Mine. Some mining occurs in the Seward Peninsula's interior. Three residents hold commercial fishing permits. The village wants to develop eco-tourism, including a 38-mile road to Inmachuk Springs for tourists.
Deering is accessible year-round by plane. A new State-owned 2,600' gravel airstrip, with a 2,080' crosswind strip, enables flights by several Kotzebue air services. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and goods from Kotzebue each summer. Small boats, ATVs and snowmachines are used for local travel. Winter trails are available to Candle and Buckland.
Kobuk is located on the right bank of the Kobuk River, about 7 miles northeast of Shungnak and 128 air miles northeast of Kotzebue. It is the smallest village in the Northwest Arctic Borough. It lies at approximately 66.90857° North Latitude and -156.88102° West Longitude. (Sec. 03, T017N, R009E, Kateel River Meridian.) Kobuk is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 16.1 sq. miles of land and 0.7 sq. miles of water. The population of Kobuk is 106. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 45 total housing units, and 19 were vacant. 11 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 29 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 0%, although 55.38% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $30,750, per capita income was $9,845, and 28.57% of residents were living below the poverty level.
The economy of Kobuk is based on subsistence. Whitefish, caribou and moose provide the majority of meat sources. Cash employment is limited to the school, City and Maniilaq clinic. One resident works for NANA Management Services at the Red Dog Mine. Seasonal construction and BLM fire fighting provide some income. Kobuk's major means of transportation are barge, plane, small boat and snowmachine. A State-owned 2,360' lighted gravel airstrip is served by scheduled air carriers. Float planes land on the Kobuk River. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and supplies during the spring and fall, when high water stages occur. There is a barge off-loading area. Boats, ATVs and snowmachines are used for local travel. There are many trails along the river for year-round inter-village travel and subsistence activities, including a 7-mile road to Shungnak.
Labor Force
Characteristics of the Northwest Arctic Borough Population 2002
Number Percent
Sex:
Male
.. 3,847
. 53.4%
Female
.. 3,361
..46.6%
Total
.. 7,208
. 100%
Age:
Less than 20
3,221
. 44.6%
20 to 24
487
6.8%
25 to 34
. 1,011
. 14.0%
35 to 44
. 1,014
. 14.1%
45 to 54
. 755
.10.5%
55 to 59
. 215
. 3.0%
60 to 64
. 146
. 2.0%
65 to 74
. 247
. 3.4%
75 to 84
. 85
... 1.2%
85 and older
. 27
... 0.4%
Ethnicity
Alaskan Native/Am. Indian
6,181
.
85.8%
White
. 1,125
. 15.6%
Asian
. 87
...1.2%
African American
. 36
... 0.5%
Pacific Islander
12
... 0.2%
Other
. 42
... 0.6%
Occupation
Management, professional & related
... 823
33.9%
Service
.. 461
19.0%
Sales & Office
.. 481
19.8%
Farming, Fishing & Forestry
.. 2
. 0.1%
Construction & Maintenance
. 372
. 15.3%
Production, Transportation
288
..11.9%
Total Employed Population
16 years and older
.. 2,427
. 100%
Natural Resources
Minerals
The primary industrial development project in the Northwest Arctic
Borough is the worlds largest zinc and lead mine, the Red Dog Mine. The
Red Dog Mine is operated by Teck Cominco and provides 370 direct
year-round jobs and over a quarter of the borough's wage and salary
payroll. The lands are owned by NANA Regional Corporation.
The Red Dog zinc/lead ore deposit is located in the DeLong Mountains of Alaska's Brooks Range. The remote site is approximately 90 miles north of Kotzebue and 55 miles from the Chukchi Sea, within a local government known as the Northwest Arctic Borough.
The mill expansion completed in 2001 resulted in record production of both zinc and lead concentrates. It also improved the overall quality of the zinc concentrate and increased the zinc recovery by 4.2%.
Major capital expenditures in 2002 included $7.5 million for fugitive dust control measures at the port and $4.5 million for hard-surfacing four miles of the port haul road.
Red Dog embarked on the development of a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) in 2002. This should allow the mine to become certified under ISO 14001 in early 2004.
Red Dog was first discovered in 1953 when pilots and geologists noted mineral staining the area. The U.S. Geological Survey began formal documentation in 1970 and coined the name Red Dog Creek after long-time pilot and miner Bob Baker's company Red Dog. Baker's rusty dog frequently flew with him as he traveled the Northwest area.
In 1975, the US Bureau of Mines issued a press release announcing the significance of the Red Dog deposit, spurring a flurry of mining claims in the DeLong Mountains.
The Native regional corporation for the Northwest portion of Alaska, NANA, became interested in selecting the land at Red Dog in 1976, and with the 1980 passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Red Dog lands were chosen formally by NANA.
Shareholders in 1982 signed an agreement with Cominco American regarding development of the deposit and feasibility studies and environmental permitting began. Two major hurdles faced mine development at Red Dog obtaining congressional approval for the road through Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and financing from the State of Alaska for the transportation system. Both objectives were achieved later that year and initial mine development began in 1986 with construction of a shallow water dock and staging area at the port site.
With these facilities in place, road and mine site construction began in July 1987 and by November 1989 was complete. Operations and production began in December 1989.
In 1998, Cominco Alaska completed the Production Rate Increase (PRI) project, which increased production to 1.2 million tons of concentrate.
Recently, several new deposits in the area have been discovered, which will both extend the mine life and dramatically increase the amount of available ore concentrate. This translates to long-term, stable jobs for the residents of the region, who under the NANA-Cominco agreement, are trained and hired to work at the mine site.
Teck Cominco has made many important contributions in the region, and the local communities. Agreements with NANA have established committees that review the impacts of mining on traditional hunting and fishing activities, and give the local people authority and input over these activities.
In addition, Teck Cominco has adopted a progressive training program that includes management training, a job shadow program, and aggressive shareholder hire goals. Currently about 55% of the employees at the mine are NANA shareholders, with wages exceeding $15 million paid to these employees annually.
The future for Red Dog Operations is bright as production continues and development plans for the adjacent discoveries proceed.
Kiana District
The Kobuk River Valley and all it tributaries, a large region on the
Ambler, Kiana and Shungnak quadrangles make up the Kiana District. All
regional stream, sand and gravel bars have placer showings, but have had
little prospecting performed on them. The gravel deposits of the
Squirrel River, especially it Klery Creek tributary had numerous placer
and are most profitable for today's gold hunter. . Agnes, Klery,
Homestake and Central Creeks produced placer gold real well. On Jade
Creek you can find gold laced Nephrite Jade. The Ambler Mining District
Is home to a vast deposit of jade, copper and other minerals.
Noatak District
This district encompasses the area drained by the coastal streams
between and including the Wulik and Noatak rivers. Lucky Six Creek, is
well known for its rich gold deposit.
Selawik District
This district includes the base of the Baldwin Peninsula and the
drainage areas of streams flowing into Selawik Lake and Eschscholtz Bay,
between the Kobuk and Kauk Rivers. Largely unexplored, this district in
the southeastern portion of the Baldwin peninsula and the area draining
into Lake Selawik, has only reported gold mining operation. On Shovel
Creek, a tributary of the Selawik River, a very rich deposit was mined
after the second War until the early 1960's.
Shungnak District
This district is located in the Kobuk River Valley, between latitude
66Ί50' and 67Ί10' N, longitude 156Ί50' and 157Ί25' W. It is on the
Shungnak USGS quadrangle. The total production from 1898-1955 was
10,000-15,000 ounces. Almost all of the placer gold produced by this
district came from the drainage area of the Cosmos Hills above the
valley of the Kobuk River. Most of the gold production was from Dahl
Creek Tremollite mine. Wesley Creek, 6 miles west of the Dahl Creek,
near the head of the creek, contains some very rich placers. Ten miles
north of Shungnak 10 miles is Aurora Mountain, Riley Creek and Ruby
Creek lode gold mines. Forty miles Northeast of Shungnak, the
Shishakshinovik Pass Mine, produced lode gold. 50 miles west of
Shungnak, in the valley of Ambler River, there were very many rich
placer workings. California and Lynx Creeks were also rich in placer
gold
Within the Chukchi Sea in the Hope basin area are huge deposits of natural gas and possibly oil. This Hope Basin as identified by Mineral Management Services includes the water bodies near Pt. Hope to the Kotzebue Sound.
Fishing
All five
species of Pacific salmon are present in the region, with chum the most
abundant. A fair harvest of pink salmon is taken on the Noatak River
and a few king, silver, and red salmon may be taken incidentally. At
Noatak, the pink salmon arrive in early to mid-July when they are the
major species fished. Later in August, the chum run begins and reaches a
peak during the second or third week of September, after which it
continues to decline through freeze-up of the river. Fishermen also
harvest Arctic char in the Noatak system or inconnu in the Hotham Inlet-Selawik
Lake area during winter and early spring. Noatak residents may also
fish the Wulik River for char. Other minor freshwater species caught
are sheefish, smelt, Arctic grayling, burbot, and northern pike.
Offshore fishing also includes herring, crab, and Arctic cod.
From 1914 to 1918 the Midnight Sun Packing Company operated a small cannery in the Kotzebue district and processed slightly over 100,000 fish. Between 1918 and 1961 no commercial fishing took place. The present commercial fishery began in 1962, primarily for chum salmon. The only area now open to commercial fishing is east of a line extending from Cape Blossom on the Baldwin Peninsula south of Kotzebue northwest to Aukoolak Lagoon on Sheshalik Spit northwest of Kotzebue. Most fishing takes place along and within the 10-mile-wide channel between the Baldwin Peninsula and Sheshalik Spit. Fishing is closely regulated during the early season when most of the fish passing through the district are bound for the Kobuk River. This run is not only smaller but is also more heavily utilized for subsistence at villages on the Kobuk. The commercial season is set later to harvest the large run of chum salmon to the Noatak River.
162 borough residents currently hold commercial fishing permits. Commercial catches vary from year to year due to changes in the migration patterns of chum salmon, different wind and tidal currents, shifting sand bars and channels, variable levels of the discharge of the Noatak River into the sound, drifting seaweed and debris, and frequent inclement weather. Fishing usually begins in mid-July when fishermen in small outboard skiffs fish set gill nets. Kotzebue chum salmon are of exceptionally high quality, having a bright color, firm flesh, and high oil content. These fish are in great demand either fresh or frozen. They are dressed with heads on, iced, and transported to offshore Japanese freezer ships or may be flown daily to Seattle or Anchorage markets. The commercial catch in this district has been increasing rapidly in recent years with over 600,000 chum salmon landed in 1974.
Commercial fisheries for Arctic char and inconnu also occur. Arctic char run later than salmon and are fished following the salmon season. A special permit fishery is allowed for inconnu. In years past, inconnu have been frozen and shipped to Barrow, Fairbanks, and Anchorage for marketing.
Funding for the State-owned Sikusuliaq Springs Fish Hatchery on the Noatak River was discontinued in 1983. The State had invested close to $20 million in capital improvement and operating costs of the hatchery.
Evaluation
The Economic Development Commission has identified several assets and
liabilities of the area as they pertain to economic development. These
are described below as they apply to specific areas of potential
development:
Job Opportunities at Red Dog Project
Assets and Opportunities. The Red Dog Mine is operated by Teck-Cominco and has over 500 employees. Of that number, 373 are employed directly by Teck-Cominco, 56 by NANA/Lynden, which provides the transport of the ore from the mine to the port site, and 44 by NANA Management, which provides the meals and lodging for all mine employees. There are an additional 34 temporary positions. Of the 373 Teck-Cominco jobs, 193 (51.7%) are filled by NANA shareholders or spouses. Of that number, 119 reside in the villages of the Northwest Arctic Borough. While some of the jobs filled by non-residents are highly technical in nature, there are at least 100 positions currently filled by non-residents that could be filled by residents if they had the necessary training and could meet other job specifications. Just 29 of 56 NANA/Lynden positions are filled by NANA shareholders. As these positions are nearly all related to truck driving and vehicle maintenance, all of the 27 positions filled by non-residents represent potential jobs for residents. Finally, 33 or 44 NANA Management positions are filled by shareholders and spouses, with the balance of jobs seemingly available to qualifying residents.
Jobs at the mine, which is about 80 miles from Kotzebue, are typically performed on a two weeks on and one week off basis. Transportation is provided for both NANA residents and travelers from Anchorage. Annual wages for these jobs are typically from $45,000 to $85,000 per year plus benefits.
Given the small number of jobs in the villages, positions at the mine can make a huge difference to village economy and environment. Noatak has 25 residents with employment at the mine, ranking it at the top of the region with Kotzebue. It is no coincidence that a higher percentage of students at the high school in Noatak have plans for Red Dog employment after graduation.
Liabilities and Constraints. NANA shareholder and spouse employment at Red Dog has remained at around 53% for many years. Ongoing efforts have been made to provide training necessary for many of the job opportunities at the mine.
One of the liabilities of the local work force appears to be alcohol and drug abuse, which results in an inability to initially qualify for employment. All prospective employees are required to pass a urine analysis. Until remedial action can reduce the number of adult residents that are debilitated by alcohol and drug abuse, that will continue to be a major barrier to employment.
Seafood Harvesting and Processing
Assets and Opportunities. The Kotzebue District chum salmon run has historically provided income from commercial fishing for up to 267 area fishermen. The commercial catch topped out in 1981 at 677,239 fish that produced $3.2 million in income. In 2001, the last year that there was a significant fishery, 66 fishermen harvested 211,672 salmon that produced just $322,650 in income. Virtually no commercial fishing took place in 2002 or 2003 due to the lack of a local buyer and the very low price (.12-.15) per pound that was available to those who packed and sent out their own catch.
Given the size of the annual chum salmon run and the high quality of the Arctic Salmon, it is believed that local, value-added processing and special marketing of the fish could result in a renewed opportunity for permit holders. Such processing would also result in 12-15 seasonal positions during the months of July and August.
As a result of a cooperative effort with the Bering Sea Fishermens Association, a fish processing operation opened in the summer of 2004. The project utilized grant funds of $432,000 for equipment, $40,000 in matching funds from the Borough, a building owned by NANA Corporation, and another facility owned by the Kotzebue IRA. The processing was managed under the supervision of the Bering Sea Fishermens Association, which will continue management for one additional year. A local organization, the Kotzebue Sound Fisheries Association, was established in the past year and will be groomed to manage the fishery in the future
While there are 162 Borough residents who are registered salmon fishing permit holders, approximately thirty permits were put to use in 2004. An additional 54 residents were licensed as crew members. The Borough provided small business loans to purchase nets and other equipment. The Borough also provided cr