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Wales
(WAILZ); a.k.a. Kingigin
For Photos of Wales click here
For a Map of Wales click here
| Current Population: |
138
(2008 DCCED Certified Population)
|
| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
Sales: None,
Property: None, Special: None
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| Coastal Management District: |
Bering Strait CRSA |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Wales is located on Cape Prince of Wales, at the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, 111 miles northwest of Nome. The community
lies at approximately 65.609170° North Latitude
and -168.087500° West Longitude.
(Sec. 05, T002N, R045W, Kateel River Meridian.)
Wales is located in the
Cape Nome Recording District.
The area encompasses 2.8
sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles
of water.
It has a maritime climate when the Bering Strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50 °F; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6 °F. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, with 35 inches of snow. Frequent fog, wind, and blizzards limit access to Wales. |
Topographic
map of
Wales
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| A burial mound of the "Birnirk" culture (500 A.D. to 900 A.D.) was discovered near Wales and is now a national landmark. In 1827, the Russian Navy reported the Eskimo villages of "Eidamoo" near the coast and "King-a-ghe" further inland. In 1890, the American Missionary Association established a mission here, and, in 1894, a reindeer station was organized. A post office was established in 1902. Wales became a major whaling center due to its location along migratory routes, and it was the region's largest and most prosperous village, with more than 500 residents. The influenza epidemic in 1918-19 claimed the lives of many of Wales' finest whalers. The city government was incorporated in 1964.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Wales.
The population of the community consists of 90.1%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Wales has a strong traditional Kinugmiut Eskimo whaling culture. Ancient songs, dances, and customs are still practiced. In the summer, Little Diomede residents travel between the two villages in large traditional skin boats. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 59, and vacant housing units numbered 9.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 1.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 60 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
18.92 percent,
although
42.86 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $33,333, per capita income was $14,877, and
18.3 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Two new groundwater wells have been drilled; a pumphouse and watering point enclosure are needed. Currently, water is derived from Gilbert Creek during the summer, and residents haul treated water from a 500,000-gal. storage tank at the washeteria. Some use untreated water from Village Creek. Almost all residents use honeybuckets, and very few homes currently have plumbing. A honeybucket haul system is in place. The school, clinic, and city building are served by piped water. There are two septic systems -- one for the school and a second for teacher's housing, the clinic, and city building. The landfill is not permitted.
Electricity is provided by AVEC.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 33
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Wales Clinic (907-664-3311).
Wales is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 5A in the Norton Sound Region. Emergency Services have coastal and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide
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| Economy
and Transportation |
The economy of Wales is based on subsistence hunting and fishing, trapping, Native arts and crafts, and some mining. A private reindeer herd is managed out of Wales and local residents are employed to assist in the harvest. Whales, walrus, polar bear, moose, salmon, and other fish are utilized.
Wales is accessed by air and sea only. There is a state-owned 4,000' long by 75' wide gravel airstrip, and the ice on the straits is frequently used by planes in the winter. Scheduled and charter flights are available. Cargo is delivered by barge and lightered a half mile to shore. Skin boats are still a popular method of sea travel, and snowmobiles are used in winter. There is a new 6.5-mile road to Tin City. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
City -
City of Wales
P.O. Box 489
Wales, AK 99783
Phone 907-664-3501
Fax 907-664-3062
Village Corporation -
Wales Native Corporation
P.O. Box 529
Wales, AK 99783
Phone 907-664-3641
Fax 907-664-3641
E-mail tcrisci_wnc@yahoo.com
Village Council -
Native Village of Wales
P.O. Box 549
Wales, AK 99783
Phone 907-664-3062
Fax 907-664-3062
E-mail tc.waa@kawarek.org
Web http://www.kawerak.org/tribalHomePages/wales/index.html
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Non-Profit - Kawerak, Incorporated
P.O. Box 948
Nome, AK 99762
Phone 907-443-5231
Fax 907-443-4452
E-mail exec.sec@kawerak.org
Web http://www.kawerak.org
CDQ Group - Norton Sound Econ. Dev. Corp.
420 L St., Suite 310
Anchorage, AK 99501-1971
Phone 907-274-2248
Fax 907-274-2249
E-mail eugene@nsedc.com
Web http://www.nsedc.com
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