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Gulkana
(gull-CAN-uh)
For a Map of Gulkana click here
| Current Population: |
223
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
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| Location
and Climate |
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Gulkana is located on the east bank of the Gulkana (Kulkana) River at its confluence with the Copper River. It lies at mile 127 of the Richardson Highway, 14 miles north of Glennallen. The community
lies at approximately 62.271390° North Latitude
and -145.382220° West Longitude.
(Sec. 27, T006N, R001W, Copper River Meridian.)
Gulkana is located in the
Chitina Recording District.
Gulkana is located in the continental climate zone, with long, cold winters, and relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from -65 to 91. Average snowfall is 47 inches, with 11 inches of precipitation per year. |
Topographic
map of
Gulkana
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The Ahtna people have occupied this area for 5,000 to 7,000 years. Gulkana was originally established in 1903 as a telegraph station, and was named "Kulkana" after the nearby river. The Gulkana Roadhouse was built in the early 1900s by C.L. Hoyt, a fur dealer who ran the roadhouse until 1916. A store, post office and Orr stage station were located nearby. Gulkana was originally located across the river from its present site; it was cut in half during construction of the Richardson Highway during World War II. In the early 1950s, the first house was built at the new site. Chief Ewan and his family were the first Native residents, and eventually all of the villagers relocated.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Gulkana Village.
The population of the community consists of 73.9%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Gulkana is an Athabascan village. Subsistence activities supplement incomes. The sale, importation and possession of alcohol are prohibited.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 43, and vacant housing units numbered 10.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 4.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 22 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
38.89 percent,
although
63.93 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $26,875, per capita income was $13,548, and
40.74 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is currently derived from a well, is treated and stored in a 100,000-gal. tank. A piped water and sewer system serves most homes. A community septic tank treats wastewater. Individual septic tanks are also used by a few residences. Permafrost and high water tables are problematic in this region. Copper Basin Sanitation provides refuse collection, using the Glennallen landfill.
Electricity is provided by Copper Valley Electric Assoc.
There are no state operated schools located in the community.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Gulkana Community Health Clinic (907-822-3646); Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen (907-822-3203).
Gulkana is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2E in the Copper River Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access, and are within 30 minutes of a higher-level satellite health care facility. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Residents of Gulkana depend somewhat on subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering. Employment is limited to the village council and seasonal construction.
The Richardson Highway passes close by the village and is maintained year-round. A State-owned 5,000' long by 100' wide asphalt runway is available at the Gulkana Airport. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Council -
Gulkana Village
P.O. Box 254
Gakona, AK 99586
Phone 907-822-3746
Fax 907-822-3976
E-mail lclaw@gulkanacouncil.org
Web http://gulkanacouncil.org/
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Ahtna, Incorporated
P.O. Box 649
Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone 907-822-3476
Fax 907-822-3495
E-mail rtansy@ahtna.net
Web http://www.ahtna-inc.com
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