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Kaltag
(KAL-tag)
For Photos of Kaltag click here
| Current Population: |
188
(2008 DCCED Certified Population)
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| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
Sales: None,
Property: None, Special: None
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| Location
and Climate |
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Kaltag is located on the west bank of the Yukon River, 75 miles west of Galena and 335 miles west of Fairbanks. It is situated on a 35-foot bluff at the base of the Nulato Hills, west of the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge. The community
lies at approximately 64.327220° North Latitude
and -158.721940° West Longitude.
(Sec. 29, T013S, R001E, Kateel River Meridian.)
Kaltag is located in the
Nulato Recording District.
The area encompasses 23.3
sq. miles of land and 4.1 sq. miles
of water.
The area experiences a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences. The average daily high temperature during July is in the low 70s °F; the average daily low temperature during January ranges from 10 to below 0 °F. Sustained temperatures of -40 °F are common during winter. Extreme temperatures have been measured from -55 to 90 °F. Annual precipitation is 16 inches, with 74 inches of snowfall annually. The river is ice-free from mid-May through mid-October. |
Topographic
map of
Kaltag
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Kaltag is located in Koyukon Athabascan territory and was used as a cemetery for surrounding villages. It was located on an old portage trail that led east through the mountains to Unalakleet. The Athabascans had spring, summer, fall, and winter camps and moved as the wild game migrated. There were 12 summer fish camps located on the Yukon River between the Koyukuk River and the Nowitna River. The village was named by Russians for the Yukons called Kaltaga. A smallpox epidemic, the first of several major epidemics, struck the Koyukon in 1839. A military telegraph line was constructed along the north side of the Yukon around 1867. Missionary activity was intense along the Yukon, and a Roman Catholic Mission and school opened upriver in Nulato in 1887. The number of steamboats on the Yukon, which supplied gold prospectors, peaked in 1900 with 46 in operation. During 1900, food shortages and a measles epidemic struck down one-third of the Native population. Kaltag was established shortly thereafter, when survivors from three nearby seasonal villages moved to the area to regroup. A post office opened in 1903 but closed in 1904. Gold seekers left the mid-Yukon after 1906, but other mining activity, such as the Galena lead mines, began operating in 1919. As a downriver village on a major transportation route, Kaltag witnessed rapid economic change. The post office reopened in 1909 and operated until 1920. Kaltag's first school opened in 1925. The post office reopened again in 1933. The old cemetery, which was located on Front Street, caved into the river around 1937. A watering point, airport, and clinic were constructed during the 1960s. The city government was incorporated in 1969.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Village of Kaltag.
The population of the community consists of 87%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Kaltag's residents are Koyukon Athabascans. The Stick Dance Festival draws visitors from many neighboring villages. This one-week festival of potlatches is sponsored by relatives of the recently deceased, in appreciation of those who helped during their time of mourning.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 78, and vacant housing units numbered 9.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 2.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 69 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
29.9 percent,
although
56.6 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $29,167, per capita income was $9,361, and
33.88 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Piped water and sewer has existed since 1982 in Kaltag. A circulating water and gravity sewage system is used. Water is derived from a well and is treated. The majority of households are fully plumbed. A washeteria is also available.
Electricity is provided by AVEC.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 26
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Kaltag Health Clinic (907-534-2209).
Kaltag is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have river and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Kaltag Rescue (534-2224).
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Subsistence is an important part of the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, waterfowl, and berries are harvested. Most cash jobs are with the tribe, school, local government, BLM fire fighting, commercial fishing, or fish processing. 11 residents hold commercial fishing permits.
The state-owned 3,900' long by 100' wide lighted gravel airstrip provides Kaltag with year-round air service. Barges typically deliver heavy cargo three times a year. Snowmachines, ATVs, and riverboats are used for local transportation. The frozen river, local trails, and the 90-mile Old Mail Trail to Unalakleet are used during the winter for woodcutting and trap lines. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
City -
City of Kaltag
P.O. Box 9
Kaltag, AK 99748
Phone 907-534-2301
Fax 907-534-2236
E-mail jdsnicholas@hotmail.com
Village Council -
Village of Kaltag
P.O. Box 129
Kaltag, AK 99748
Phone 907-534-2224
Fax 907-534-2299
E-mail kaltag@aitc.org
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Doyon, Limited
1 Doyon Place, Suite 300
Fairbanks, AK 99701-2941
Phone 907-459-2000
Fax 907-459-2060
E-mail info@doyon.com
Web http://www.doyon.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Tanana Chiefs Conference
P.O. Box 129
Tok, AK 99780
Phone 907-883-5181
Fax 907-883-1114
E-mail rose.isaac@tananachiefs.org
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