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Deering
(DEAR-eeng)
For Photos of Deering click here
For a Map of Deering click here
| Current Population: |
133
(2008 DCCED Certified Population)
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| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
| Borough Located In: |
Northwest Arctic Borough |
| Taxes: |
Sales: None,
Property: None, Special: None
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| National Flood Insurance Program Participant: |
Yes |
| Coastal Management District: |
Northwest Arctic Borough |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Deering is located on Kotzebue Sound at the mouth of the Inmachuk River, 57 miles southwest of Kotzebue. It is built on a flat sand and gravel spit 300 feet wide and a half-mile long. The community
lies at approximately 66.074970° North Latitude
and -162.712740° West Longitude.
(Sec. 20, T008N, R019W, Kateel River Meridian.)
Deering is located in the
Cape Nome Recording District.
The area encompasses 5.1
sq. miles of land and 0.1 sq. miles
of water.
Deering is located in the transitional climate zone, which is characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. The average low temperature during January is -18 °F. The average high during July is 63 °F. Temperature extremes from a low of -60 to a high of 85 °F have been measured. Snowfall averages 36 inches, and total precipitation averages 9 inches per year. Kotzebue Sound is ice-free from early July until mid-October. |
Topographic
map of
Deering
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The village was established in 1901 as a supply station for Interior gold mining near the historic Malemiut Eskimo village of "Inmachukmiut." The name Deering was probably taken from the 90-ton schooner "Abbey Deering," which was in nearby waters around 1900. The city was incorporated in 1970.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Deering.
The population of the community consists of 94.1%
Alaska Native or part Native.
The population of the village is primarily Inupiat Eskimo. The people are active in subsistence. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 61, and vacant housing units numbered 19.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 9.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 44 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
16.98 percent,
although
51.65 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $33,333, per capita income was $11,000, and
5.76 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
|
| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is derived from the Inmachuk River and is treated and pumped to a 400,000-gallon insulated storage tank. Water is delivered to home tanks or hauled from the watering point.
Electricity is provided by Ipnatchiaq Electric Company.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 32
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Deering Clinic (907-363-2137).
Deering is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 4A in the Maniilaq Association Region. Emergency Services have coastal and river access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Deering's economy is a mix of cash and subsistence activities. Moose, seal, and beluga whale provide most meat sources; pink salmon, tom cod, herring, ptarmigan, rabbit, and waterfowl are also utilized. The Karmun-Moto reindeer herd of 1,400 animals provides some local employment. A number of residents earn income from handicrafts and trapping. The village is interested in developing a craft production facility and cultural center to train youth in Native crafts. The school, city, Maniilaq Association, stores, and airline provide the only year-round jobs. Some mining occurs in the Seward Peninsula's interior. Two residents hold commercial fishing permits. The village wants to develop eco-tourism, including a 38-mile road to Inmachuk Springs for tourists.
Deering is accessible year-round by plane. A new state-owned 2,600' long by 50' wide gravel airstrip, with a 2,080' long by 60' wide gravel crosswind strip, enables flights by several Kotzebue air services. Crowley Marine Services barges fuel and goods from Kotzebue each summer. Small boats, ATVs, and snowmachines are used for local travel. Winter trails are available to Candle and Buckland. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
City -
City of Deering
P.O. Box 36049
Deering, AK 99736
Phone 907-363-2136
Fax 907-363-2156
E-mail cityofdeering@yahoo.com
Electric Utility -
Ipnatchiaq Electric Company
P.O. Box 36021
Deering, AK 99736-0021
Phone 907-363-2157
Fax 907-363-2307
Village Council -
Native Village of Deering
P.O. Box 36089
Deering, AK 99736
Phone 907-363-2138
Fax 907-363-2195
E-mail rrmoto@maniilaq.org
Web http://www.maniilaq.org
Regional
Organizations
Borough - Northwest Arctic Borough
P.O. Box 1110
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone 907-442-2500
Fax 907-442-2930 & 3740
E-mail hhildreth@nwabor.org or mwhiting@nwabor.org
Web http://www.nwabor.org
Regional Native Corporation - NANA Regional Corporation
P.O. Box 49
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone 907-442-3301
Fax 907-442-2866
E-mail info@nana.com
Web http://www.nana.com
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