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Nikolai
(NICK-oh-lie); a.k.a. Edzeno Nikolai
For Photos of Nikolai click here
For a Map of Nikolai click here
| Current Population: |
90
(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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Nikolai is located in Interior Alaska on the south fork of the Kuskokwim River, 46 air miles east of McGrath. The community
lies at approximately 63.013330° North Latitude
and -154.375000° West Longitude.
(Sec. 36, T028S, R023E, Kateel River Meridian.)
Nikolai is located in the
Mt. McKinley Recording District.
The area encompasses 4.5
sq. miles of land and 0.3 sq. miles
of water.
Nikolai has a cold, continental climate with relatively warm summers. Average summer temperature range from 42 to 80 °F, and winter temperatures range from -62 to 0 °F. Precipitation is light, averaging 16 inches per year, including an average snowfall of 56 inches. The river is generally ice-free from June through October. |
Topographic
map of
Nikolai
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Nikolai is an Upper Kuskokwim Athabascan village and has been relocated at least twice since the 1880s. One of the former sites was reported in 1899 to have a population of six males. The present site was established around 1918. Nikolai was the site of a trading post and roadhouse during the gold rush. It was situated on the Rainy Pass Trail, which connected the Ophir gold mining district to Cook Inlet. It became a winter trail station along the Nenana-McGrath Trail, which was used until 1926. By 1927, the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church had been constructed. In 1948, a private school was established, and, in 1949, a post office opened. Local residents cleared an airstrip in 1963, which heralded year-round accessibility to the community. The city was incorporated in 1970.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Nikolai Village.
The population of the community consists of 81%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Nikolai is an Athabascan community. Residents are active in subsistence food-gathering. The sale or importation of alcohol is prohibited in the city.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 47, and vacant housing units numbered 7.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 3.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 18 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
37.93 percent,
although
70 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $15,000, per capita income was $11,029, and
27.63 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| All 47 households and facilities use individual wells; of these, only 2 units lack plumbing. 33 homes, including 10 HUD housing units north of the airport, are connected to the piped sewage system. The remaining 15 homes use septic tanks.
Electricity is provided by Nikolai Light & Power Utility.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 20
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Nikolai Health Clinic (907-293-2328).
Nikolai is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have river, 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
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Village employment peaks during the summer when construction gets underway. The city, state, and federal government provide the primary year-round employment. Residents rely heavily on subsistence activities for food and wood for heat. Some residents tend gardens. Salmon, moose, caribou, rabbits, and the occasional bear are utilized. Trapping and handicrafts also provide income.
Access to Nikolai is by air or water. A state-owned 4,003' long by 75' wide gravel airstrip is available. Barges supply fuel and heavy equipment. Boats, ATVs, and snowmachines are used for recreation and subsistence activities. A winter trail is marked to McGrath (50 mi.). Nikolai is a checkpoint for the Iditarod sled dog race held in March. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
City -
City of Nikolai
P.O. Box 9145
Nikolai, AK 99691-0045
Phone 907-293-2113
Fax 907-293-2120
E-mail cityofnikolai@yahoo.com
Village Council -
Nikolai Village
P.O. Box 9105
Nikolai, AK 99691
Phone 907-293-2311
Fax 907-293-2481
E-mail agnes.tony@tananachiefs.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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