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Minto
(MIN-toe)
For Photos of Minto click here
| Current Population: |
190
(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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Minto is located on the west bank of the Tolovana River, 130 miles northwest of Fairbanks. It lies on an 11-mile spur road off of the Elliott Highway. The community
lies at approximately 65.153330° North Latitude
and -149.336940° West Longitude.
(Sec. 23, T004N, R009W, Fairbanks Meridian.)
Minto is located in the
Manley Hot Springs Recording District.
The climate is cold and continental with extreme temperature differences. The average daily maximum during July is in the low 70s; the average daily minimum during January is well below zero. Extended periods of -40 degrees, and very strong wind chill factors, are common during the winter. Average annual precipitation is 12 inches, with 50 inches of snowfall. |
Topographic
map of
Minto
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Minto is in the western-most portion of traditional Tanana Athabascan territory. During the late 1800s, some members of the Minto band traveled to Tanana, Rampart and Fort Yukon to trade furs for manufactured goods, tea and flour. With the discovery of gold north of Fairbanks in 1902, steamboats began to navigate the Tanana River, bringing goods and new residents into the area. Old Minto became a permanent settlement when some members of the Minto band built log cabins there, on the bank of the Tanana River. Other families lived in tents on a seasonal basis. A BIA school was established in 1937, but most families still did not live in Minto year-round until the 1950s. The Minto band was eventually joined by families from Nenana, Toklat, Crossjacket and Chena. The village was relocated to its present location, 40 miles north of the old site, in 1969 due to repeated flooding and erosion. The present site had been used as a fall and winter camp since the early 1900s. New housing and a new school were completed by 1971.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Minto.
The population of the community consists of 92.2%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Minto residents are mainly Tanana Athabascans. Several families have seasonal fishing/hunting camps and trapping areas on the Tanana River and Goldstream Creek. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 99, and vacant housing units numbered 25.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 5.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 42 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
40.85 percent,
although
76.54 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $21,250, per capita income was $9,640, and
26.42 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is derived from two wells, is treated, and distributed in a heated circulating water line. Wastes are piped to a sewage lagoon. 52 homes are connected to the piped water and sewer system, and have complete plumbing. 38 households haul their own water and honeybuckets.
Electricity is provided by AVEC.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 52
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Minto Health Clinic (907-798-7412).
Minto is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Fairbanks hospitals.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Most of the year-round employment is with the school, lodge, clinic or village council. Many residents work during summers fire fighting for the BLM. Some residents trap or work in the arts and crafts center, making birch-bark baskets and beaded skin and fur items. Subsistence is an important part of the local economy. Most families travel to fish camp each summer. Minto Flats is one of the most popular duck hunting spots in Alaska. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, small game, waterfowl and berries are utilized.
Minto is accessible by the Elliott Highway, a 118-mile drive to Fairbanks. The Tolovana River allows boat access to the Tanana and Nenana Rivers, but no barge service is available because it is too shallow. A new State-owned 2,000' long by 65' wide gravel airstrip is available. It is a local priority to extend the runway length in order to accommodate loaded Twin Otters. Trucks, cars, snowmachines, ATVs and riverboats are used for transportation, recreation and subsistence purposes. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Corporation -
Seth-De-Ya-Ah Corporation
P.O. Box 56
Minto, AK 99758
Phone 907-798-7181
Fax 907-798-7556
Village Council -
Native Village of Minto
P.O. Box 58026
Minto, AK 99758-0026
Phone 907-798-7112
Fax 907-798-7627
E-mail jlebaker05@yahoo.com
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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