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Ninilchik
(nuh-NIL-chick)
For Photos of Ninilchik click here
| Current Population: |
853
(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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Ninilchik lies on the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula on the Sterling Highway, 38 miles southwest of the City of Kenai, and 188 road miles from Anchorage. The community lies between mileposts 119 and 144 of the Sterling Highway; the business center has developed between Ninilchik River and Deep Creek. The community
lies at approximately 60.051390° North Latitude
and -151.668890° West Longitude.
(Sec. 34, T001S, R014W, Seward Meridian.)
Ninilchik is located in the
Homer Recording District.
Winter temperatures range from 14 to 27; summer temperatures vary from 45 to 65. Average annual precipitation is 24 inches. |
Topographic
map of
Ninilchik
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The Peninsula was historically used by Dena'ina Indians for fur-farming and fishing. The Dena'ina word "Niqnilchint" means "lodge by the river." In the 1820s, the Russian American Fur Company became burdened by a number of elderly, disabled and sick employees who could not safely return to Russia. The company received permission to establish self-sustaining retirement settlements in Alaska. In 1847, Grigorii and Mavra Kvasnikoff moved their large family from Kodiak to Ninilchik. Grigorii was a Russian Orthodox missionary from Moscow, and Mavra was a Russian-Sugpiaq from Kodiak -- the daughter of Efim Rastorguev, a Russian shipbuilder, and Agrafena Petrovna, a Sugpiaq from Kodiak. The Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church was constructed in 1846. Iakov and Anna Oskolkoff and other Russian settlers subsisted on fishing, hunting, trapping and gardening. By 1880, the U.S. Census found 53 "Creoles" living in Ninilchik. All nine original Native founding families of Ninilchik are descendants of the Kvasnikoffs (see "Agrafena's Children: The Old Families of Ninilchik."). In 1896, a Russian village school was built, and in 1901, the Russian Orthodox Church was constructed and dedicated at its current site. A post office was established in 1925. The 1940s brought homesteaders to the area. In 1949, the Berman Packing Company began fish canning operations. In 1950, the Sterling Highway had been completed through Ninilchik. The current Ninilchik school was built in 1951.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Ninilchik Village.
The population of the community consists of 16.6%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Ninilchik is a traditional Athabascan village, although the majority of the population are non-Natives. The community association is actively involved in local issues -- residents constructed the senior center using second mortgages and volunteer labor.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 762, and vacant housing units numbered 442.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 415.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 292 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
17.98 percent,
although
52.21 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $36,250, per capita income was $18,463, and
13.93 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| The majority of homes use individual water wells or have water delivered. Two-thirds of all residences have individual septic systems and full plumbing; others use privies. The school operates its own well and water treatment facility. Many homes in this area are used only seasonally. A Borough refuse transfer site is located in Ninilchik, at mile 138.5 Sterling Hwy.
Electricity is provided by Homer Electric Association.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 169
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Ninilchik Health Clinic (907-567-3970), South Peninsula Hospital in Homer (907-235-8101) or Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna (907-262-4404).
EMS serves MP 119 to MP 144 of the Sterling Hwy. Ninilchik is classified as a highway village, it is found in EMS Region 2J in the Kenai Peninsula Region. Emergency Services have highway, coastal and air access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Ninilchik Emergency Services (907-567-3342/567-1020); South Peninsula Hospital in Homer or Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Fshing, retail businesses, tourism and logging comprise the majority of private sector activities in Ninilchik. Declining fish prices, fish processing, and timber harvesting have affected income opportunities. The economy of the surrounding Kenai area is diverse: oil and gas processing, commercial and sport fishing, government, health care, retail businesses and tourism-related services provide employment. 49 residents hold commercial fishing permits. King Salmon fishing on Deep Creek and Ninilchik River lure thousands of sport fishermen to Ninilchik between late May and late June. Both saltwater and freshwater sport fishing occur seasonally in the area. Deep Creek Custom Packing is a major private employer.
The Sterling Highway provides access to Anchorage and beyond. A State-owned 2,400' long by 60' wide dirt/gravel airstrip is located on Oilwell Road. Homer also offers an airport, harbor/docking facilities and State Ferry access. Ninilchik harbor was constructed in the early 1970s. Boats are launched from Ninichik or Deep Creek beach; a tractor launch is available. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Chamber of Commerce -
Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 39164
Ninilchik, AK 99639
Phone 907-567-3571
E-mail information@ninilchikchamber.com
Web http://www.ninilchikchamber.com
Village Corporation -
Ninilchik Native Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 39130
Ninilchik, AK 99639
Phone 907-567-3866
Fax 907-344-8634
E-mail gvo@alaska.net
Web http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/4416/links.htm
Village Council -
Ninilchik Village
P.O. Box 39070
Ninilchik, AK 99639
Phone 907-567-3313
Fax 907-567-3308
E-mail ntc@ninilchiktribe-nsn.gov/
Web http://www.ninilchiktribe-nsn.gov/
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 - Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
P.O. Box 93330
Anchorage, AK 99509-3330
Phone 907-274-8638
Fax 907-279-8836
E-mail info@ciri.com
Web http://www.ciri.com/
Regional Native Health Corporation - Southcentral Foundation
4501 Diplomacy
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone 907-729-4955
Fax 907-729-4972
E-mail katherineg@scf.cc
Web http://www.southcentralfoundation.com
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