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Tetlin
(TET-linn)
For Photos of Tetlin click here
For a Map of Tetlin click here
| Current Population: |
136
(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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Tetlin is located along the Tetlin River, between Tetlin Lake and the Tanana River, 20 miles southeast of Tok. It lies in the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. The village is connected by road to the Alaska Highway. The community
lies at approximately 63.137220° North Latitude
and -142.516110° West Longitude.
(Sec. 29, T018N, R015E, Copper River Meridian.)
Tetlin is located in the
Fairbanks Recording District.
Tetlin lies within the continental climatic zone, with cold winters and warm summers. In the winter, cold air settles in the valley and ice fog and smoke are common. The average low during January is -32; the average high during July is 72. Extreme temperatures have been measured from -71 to 99. |
Topographic
map of
Tetlin
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The semi-nomadic Athabascan Indians have historically lived in this area, moving with the seasons between several hunting and fishing camps. In 1885, Lt. H.T. Allen found small groups of people living in Tetlin and Last Tetlin, to the south. The residents of Last Tetlin had made numerous trips to trading posts on the Yukon River. In 1912, villagers from Tetlin would trade at the Tanana Crossing Trading Post. During the Chisana gold stampede in 1913, a trading post was established across the river from Tetlin. When two trading posts were opened in the village during the 1920s by John Hajdukovich and W.H. Newton, residents from Last Tetlin relocated to Tetlin. A school was constructed in 1929, and a post office was opened in 1932. The 786,000-acre Tetlin Indian Reserve was established in 1930. An airstrip was constructed in 1946. When the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was passed in 1971, the reserve was revoked. Tetlin opted for surface and subsurface title to the 743,000 acres of land in the former Reserve.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Tetlin.
The population of the community consists of 97.4%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Due to the community's isolation, the residents are able to pursue a traditional Athabascan culture and lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 55, and vacant housing units numbered 13.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 12.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 17 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
46.88 percent,
although
75.71 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $12,250, per capita income was $7,371, and
48.42 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| At present, all residents haul treated well water from the school or washeteria, and use honeybuckets or outhouses. Electricity is provided out of Tok. The landfill is not permitted.
Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 27
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Tetlin Village Clinic (907-324-2151).
Tetlin is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
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| Economy
and Transportation |
The school, tribe, clinic, store and post office provide the only employment. Many residents engage in trapping or making handicrafts for sale. Fire fighting for BLM employs members of the community in the summer. Nearly all families participate in subsistence activities throughout the year. Whitefish, moose, ducks, geese, spruce hens, rabbits, berries and roots are harvested.
Tetlin is accessible by road. Many residents own cars, trucks, skiffs and snowmachines for hunting, fishing and hauling wood. The village owns and maintains a 1,700' turf airstrip. Scheduled and charter flights are available from Tok. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Council -
Native Village of Tetlin
P.O. Box TTL
Tetlin, AK 99779
Phone 907-324-2130
Fax 907-324-2131
E-mail tetlin@earthlink.net
Regional
Organizations
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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