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Eyak
(EE-yak); also see Cordova
| Current Population: |
137
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated, located in Cordova |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
Sales: None,
Property: 14.5 mills (Cordova), Special: None
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| Coastal Management District: |
Cordova |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Eyak is on the Copper River highway, 5.5 miles southeast of the Cordova city center, between Eyak Lake and the Cordova airport. The area was annexed to the City of Cordova in 1992. The community
lies at approximately 60.525059° North Latitude
and -145.628293° West Longitude.
(Sec. 33, T015S, R002W, Copper River Meridian.)
Eyak is located in the
Cordova Recording District.
Winter temperatures range from 17 to 28; summer temperatures from 49 to 63. Average annual precipitation includes 66 inches of rain and 80 inches of snowfall. |
Topographic
map of
Eyak
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Eyak was first reported in 1869 as "Hyacks," and then in 1880 as "Ihiak." In 1899, Lt. Comdr. Moser, USN, reported it as a cannery called "Odiak." The area is the home of the Eyak; over 47 sites have been identified as Eyak-occupied from Yakutat to the Copper River Delta. The Eyak lived between Chugach Eskimo, Alutiiq and expanding Tlingit tribes. Eyak is a distinct language, a branch of the Athabascan-Eyak-Tlingit language family. The Eyaks from Controller Bay, Cape Suckling, Cape Yakataga and Yakutat Bay were Tlingitized by the 1880s. The remaining Eyak settled in the Cordova area, and by 1900, there were only 60 remaining Eyak. Today, only one resident can speak the language fluently.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Eyak.
The population of the community consists of 8.3%
Alaska Native or part Native.
It is a federally-recognized Eyak Athabascan village located within the City of Cordova. Villagers are working together to protect their traditional lands along the Copper River Delta and to revive cultural traditions. Commercial fishing and subsistence activities are sustain many residents.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 65, and vacant housing units numbered 11.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 8.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 70 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
10.26 percent,
although
34.58 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $62,083, per capita income was $18,241, and
12.15 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Almost 90% of homes are fully plumbed and use individual wells and septic systems. Many area homes are subject to high water, which increases the risk of well water contamination. Refuse is disposed in the new landfill at Mile 17.
Electricity is provided by Cordova Electric Cooperative, Inc.
There are no state operated schools located in the community.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Ilanka Health Center (424-3622) or Cordova Community Medical Center (424-8000).
A clinic is under construction. Eyak is classified as a highway village, it is found in EMS Region 2F in the Prince William Sound Region. Emergency Services have limited highway and air access, and are within 30 minutes of a higher-level satellite health care facility
Auxiliary health care is provided by Cordova Health Clinic.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Commercial fishing, fish processing, logging and retail businesses in Cordova provide employment. Reductions in salmon prices have affected income.
Cordova offers an airport, harbor, dock and a State Ferry landing. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Community Non-Profit -
Eyak Preservation Council (see also Cordova)
P.O. Box 460
Cordova, AK 99574
Phone 907-424-5890
Fax 907-424-5891
E-mail eyak@redzone.org
Web http://www.redzone.org
Village Corporation -
Eyak Corporation
P.O. Box 340
Cordova, AK 99574-0340
Phone 907-424-7161
Fax 907-424-5161
E-mail eyakcorp@ptialaska.net
Village Council -
Native Village of Eyak (see also Cordova)
P.O. Box 1388
Cordova, AK 99574-1388
Phone 907-424-7738
Fax 907-424-7739
E-mail reception@nveyak.com
Web http://www.nveyak.com
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Chugach Alaska Corporation
3800 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 601
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-563-8866
Fax 907-563-8402
E-mail bwelty@chugach-ak.com
Web http://www.chugach-ak.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Chugachmiut
1840 Bragaw Street, Suite 110
Anchorage, AK 99508-3463
Phone 907-562-4155
Fax 907-563-2891
E-mail info@chugachmiut.org
Web http://www.chugachmiut.org
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