| |
Tununak
(too-NOO-nuck); var. Tananak
For Photos of Tununak click here
For a Map of Tununak click here
| Current Population: |
332
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
|
| Coastal Management District: |
Ceñaliulriit CRSA |
|
| Location
and Climate |
|
Tununak is located in a small bay on the northeast coast of Nelson Island, 115 miles northwest of Bethel and 519 miles northwest of Anchorage. The community
lies at approximately 60.585130° North Latitude
and -165.255490° West Longitude.
(Sec. 28, T006N, R091W, Seward Meridian.)
Tununak is located in the
Bethel Recording District.
The village is located in a marine climate. Average precipitation is 17 inches, with annual snowfall of 28 inches. Summer temperatures can range from 42 to 59, winter temperatures average 2 to 19. Extremes have been recorded from 80 to -35. |
Topographic
map of
Tununak
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Nelson Island was named after Edward Nelson in 1878, a Smithsonian naturalist who noted 6 people, including 1 non-Native trader, living in Tununak. In 1889 the Jesuits opened a small chapel and school. The villagers were difficult to convert due to the migratory nature of the traditional culture, and because the shamans were still quite powerful. The mission closed in 1892. In 1925 a government school was built, and a Northern Commercial Co. store was opened in 1929. From 1934 to 1962, a missionary named Father Deshout lived on Nelson Island. His long-standing relationship and work with the people in the area had a great influence. The 1950s brought great changes to the Islanders lifestyle, through their involvement with the Territorial Guard, work in fish canneries, high schools, and health care treatment for tuberculosis. For many, this was their first exposure outside the community. By the 1970s, snowmobiles were replacing dog sled teams, and the last qasgiq (men's community houses) was abandoned. The City was incorporated in 1975, but it was dissolved on Feb. 28, 1997 in favor of traditional council governance.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Tununak; Tununak Traditional Council (not recognized).
The population of the community consists of 96.9%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Tununak is a traditional Yup'ik Eskimo village, with an active fishing and subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 93, and vacant housing units numbered 11.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 5.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 85 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
19.81 percent,
although
51.7 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $25,000, per capita income was $7,653, and
30.77 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
|
| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is derived from Muskox Creek. A flush/haul system provides services to some homes. Some residents currently haul water from six watering points. The community relies on the washeteria for laundry and bathing. The school provides its own piped water system, and sewage discharges to the village drainfield.
Electricity is provided by AVEC.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 115
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Tununak Clinic (907-652-6829).
Tununak is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 7A in the Yukon/Kuskokwim Region. Emergency Services have coastal and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide
|
| Economy
and Transportation |
Employment is primarily with the school district, village corporation, stores and commercial fishing. Trapping and Native crafts also generate cash for many families, and subsistence activities are an important contributor to villagers' diets. Seal meat, seal oil and herring are the staples of the diet. Beluga whale and walrus are also hunted. Residents participate in a lottery to hunt musk-ox on Nelson or Nunivak Islands. 53 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Coastal Villages Seafood, Inc. processes halibut and salmon in Tununak.
Tununak relies heavily on air transportation for passengers, mail and cargo service. A State-owned 2,010' long by 40' wide gravel airstrip is available. Barges deliver goods two to four times each summer, and goods are lightered to shore. Boats, snow machines and ATVs are used extensively for local travel. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Corporation -
Tununrmiut Rinit Corporation
P.O. Box 89
Tununak, AK 99681
Phone 907-652-6311
Fax 907-652-6315
Village Council -
Native Village of Tununak
P.O. Box 77
Tununak, AK 99681
Phone 907-652-6527
Fax 907-652-6011
E-mail tununak@aitc.org
Village Council -
Tununak Traditional Council
P.O. Box 97
Tununak, AK 99681
Phone 907-652-6312
Fax 907-652-6912
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Calista Corporation
301 Calista Court, Suite A
Anchorage, AK 99518-3028
Phone 907-279-5516
Fax 907-272-5060
E-mail calista@calistacorp.com
Web http://www.calistacorp.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp.
P.O. Box 528
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-6020
Fax 907-543-6006
E-mail gene_peltola@ykhc.org
Web http://www.ykhc.org/
CDQ Group - Coastal Villages Region Fund
711 H Street, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99501-3461
Phone 907-278-5151
Fax 907-278-5150
E-mail morgen_c@coastalvillages.org
Web http://www.coastalvillages.org/
|
 |
|
