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Nanwalek
(nan-WAH-leck); formerly English Bay
For a Map of Nanwalek click here
| Current Population: |
229
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| Taxes: |
Sales: 3% (Borough),
Property: 5.9 mills (Borough), Special: None
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| National Flood Insurance Program Participant: |
Yes |
| Coastal Management District: |
Kenai Peninsula Borough |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Nanwalek is located at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, 10 miles southwest of Seldovia and east of Port Graham. The community
lies at approximately 59.356390° North Latitude
and -151.920830° West Longitude.
(Sec. 35, T009S, R016W, Seward Meridian.)
Nanwalek is located in the
Seldovia Recording District.
Winter temperatures range from 14 to 27; summer temperatures vary from 45 to 60. Average annual precipitation is 24 inches. |
Topographic
map of
Nanwalek
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The village was originally the site of a Russian Trading Post called Alexandrovsk. It was later called "Odinochka," meaning "a person living in solitude." A Russian Orthodox Church was built in the community in 1870. In 1930, a replacement Church was constructed, and it is a designated national historic site. In 1991, locals changed the community name of English Bay to Nanwalek, meaning "place by lagoon." Many of the current residents are of mixed Russian and Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) lineage. Villagers speak Sugtestun, a dialect of Eskimo similar to Yup'ik.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Nanwalek.
The population of the community consists of 93.2%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Nanwalek is a traditional Alutiiq village. Subsistence activities are a large part of the culture. The sale of alcohol is banned in the village, although importing and possession are allowed.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 54, and vacant housing units numbered 9.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 7.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 75 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
5.06 percent,
although
33.04 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $42,500, per capita income was $10,577, and
17.53 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is derived from a surface stream and is treated; a new surface water source is under development. Nanwalek has a piped water and sewer system which serves all homes in the village; most are completely plumbed.
Electricity is provided by Homer Electric Association.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 70
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Nanwalek Clinic (907-281-2251).
Nanwalek is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2F in the Prince William Sound Region. Emergency Services have coastal,floatplane and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Nanwalek First Responders (Clinic 907-281-2250).
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| Economy
and Transportation |
The school, subsistence activities, and summer employment at the Port Graham cannery provide income. Seven residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Nanwalek is not accessible by road. Boats are the primary means of transportation locally. The State Ferry provides service to nearby Seldovia. A State-owned 1,850' long by 50' wide gravel airstrip is available. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Corporation -
English Bay Corporation
1637 Stanton Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone 907-281-2208
Fax 907-281-2220
Village Council -
Native Village of Nanwalek (aka English Bay)
P.O. Box 8028
Nanwalek, AK 99603-8028
Phone 907-281-2274
Fax 907-281-2252
E-mail nanwalek@yahoo.com
Regional
Organizations
Borough - Kenai Peninsula Borough
144 North Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone 907-262-4441
Fax 907-714-2377
E-mail assemblyclerk@borough.kenai.ak.us
Web http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us
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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