| |
Tanacross
(TAN-uh-cross)
| Current Population: |
189
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
|
|
| Location
and Climate |
|
Tanacross is located on the south bank of the Tanana River, 12 miles northwest of Tok, at MP 1324 of the Alaska Highway. The community
lies at approximately 63.385280° North Latitude
and -143.346390° West Longitude.
(Sec. 32, T019N, R011E, Copper River Meridian.)
Tanacross is located in the
Fairbanks Recording District.
Tanacross 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 -22; the average high during July is 65. Extreme temperatures have been measured from -75 to 90. |
Topographic
map of
Tanacross
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Residents are Tanah, or Tinneh, Athabascan Indians. Most villagers relocated from Mansfield Village, Kechumstuk and Last Tetlin in 1912 when Bishop Rowe established St. Timothy's Episcopal Mission. The village was originally located on the north side of the Tanana River, and was called "Tanana Crossing." It is located where the Eagle Trail crossed the Tanana River. A trading post opened near the mission in 1912, and the St. Timothy's post office opened in 1920. More Natives moved from Mansfield when a formal school opened in 1932, although classes had been held at the mission. The name was eventually shortened to Tanacross. In the mid-1930s, an airfield was built across the river from the village. In 1941, the village gave the military permission to use its airfield as an emergency deployment post during World War II. The airfield was paved in 1942, and temporary camps were established. Thousands of troops were deployed through Tanacross airfield during the War. People of the village served as volunteer scouts and backup support for the army. After the war, the airfield was closed. In 1972, the village relocated from the north bank of the Tanana River to the south bank, due to water contamination. In 1979, the old village site burned when a grass fire spread out of control.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Tanacross.
The population of the community consists of 90%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Tanacross is a traditional Athabascan village with a subsistence lifestyle. The possession of alcohol is banned in the community.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 53, and vacant housing units numbered 11.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 24 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
57.14 percent,
although
79.13 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $22,083, per capita income was $9,429, and
33.33 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
|
| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Piped services have been available in Tanacross since 1976. Water is treated, stored in a 25,000-gal. tank, and piped to most homes. Some residents have individual wells. A piped sewage and septic system serve approximately half of the community; individual septic tanks are also used. The landfill is not permitted. Electricity is provided out of Tok.
Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 17
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Tanacross Clinic (907-883-4131).
Tanacross is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 3A in the Southeast Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide
|
| Economy
and Transportation |
Many residents are able to work during the summer as emergency fire fighters for the BLM. Some people engage in trapping or in making Native handicrafts to sell. Nearly every family depends on subsistence activities for food. Whitefish, moose, porcupine, rabbit, ptarmigan, ducks and geese are utilized. Caribou may be hunted by lottery permit. Some travel to Copper River for salmon each summer. Employment at the washeteria and clinic is provided by the tribe. They have formed two profit making corporations, Orh Htaad Global Services and Dihthaad Construction, to employ members of their tribe.
Tanacross is a mile north of the Alaska Highway. Most residents use cars, trucks and snowmachines for local transportation. Regular air and bus services are available out of Tok. A 5,100' paved runway, owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, is located 1 mile south of Tanacross. It is not maintained in winter. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Corporation -
Tanacross, Incorporated
P.O. Box 76029
Tanacross, AK 99776
Phone 907-883-4130
Village Council -
Native Village of Tanacross
P.O. Box 76009
Tanacross, AK 99776
Phone 907-883-5024
Fax 907-883-4497
E-mail jerry_isaac@hotmail.com
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
|
 |
|
