Community Info
Noorvik, Alaska
Noorvik Community Comprehensive Development Plan
Current Population: 642 (2008 DCCED Certified Population)
Pronunciation/Other Names: (NOR-vick)
Location:
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. Noorvik is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The community is located in the transitional climate zone. Temperatures average -10 to 15 during winter; 40 to 65 during summer. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -54 to 87. Snowfall averages 60 inches, with 16 inches of total precipitation per year. The Kobuk River is navigable from early June to mid-October.
History:
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.
Culture:
Noorvik is primarily an Inupiat Eskimo community with a subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
Economy:
The primary local employers are the school district, the City, the Maniilaq health clinic, and two stores. Seasonal employment at the Red Dog Mine, BLM fire fighting, or work in Kotzebue supplement income. Two residents hold commercial fishing permits. Caribou, fish, moose, waterfowl and berries are utilized.
BOROUGH ASSEMBLY MEMBER:
Hendy Ballot
PO Box 183
Noorvik, AK 99763
(907)636-2294
tribemanager @ nuurvik.org