Yakutat

Current Population: 691 (2003 State Demographer est.)

Incorporation Type:
Home Rule Borough

Taxes:
Sales: 4%, Property: 9.0 mills, Special: 1% Salmon; 8% Bed; 8% Car Rental

Location and Climate

Yakutat is isolated among the lowlands along the Gulf of Alaska, 225 miles northwest of Juneau and 220 miles southeast of Cordova. It is at the mouth of Yakutat Bay, one of the few refuges for vessels along this stretch of coast. The Hubbard and Malaspina Glaciers are nearby. It lies at approximately 59.546940° North Latitude and -139.72722° West Longitude (Sec. 30, T027S, R034E, Copper River Meridian). The area encompasses 7,650.5 sq. miles of land and 1,808.8 sq. miles of water. Yakutat has a maritime climate characterized by relatively mild, often rainy weather. Summer temperatures range from 42 to 60; winter temperatures, 17 to 39. Yakutat receives some of the heaviest precipitation in the state, averaging 132 inches, including 219 inches of snowfall.

History, Culture and Demographics

Yakutat has a diverse cultural history. The original settlers are believed to have been Eyak-speaking people from the Copper River area who were conquered by the Tlingits. Yakutat means "the place where the canoes rest." In the 18th and 19th centuries, English, French, Spanish and Russian explorers came to the region. Fur traders were attracted to the region's sea otters. The Russian-American Co. built a fort in Yakutat in 1805 to harvest sea otter pelts. Because the Russians would not allow local Tlingits access to their traditional fisheries, a Tlingit war party attacked and destroyed the post. In 1884, the Alaska Commercial Co. opened a store in Yakutat. By 1886, the black sand beaches in the area were being mined for gold. In 1889 the Swedish Free Mission Church had opened a school and sawmill in the area. A cannery, sawmill, store and railroad were constructed beginning in 1903 by the Stimson Lumber Co. Most residents moved to the current site of Yakutat to be closer to this cannery, which operated through 1970. During World War II, a large aviation garrison and paved runway were constructed. Troops were withdrawn after the war, but the runway is still in use. The City of Yakutat was formed in 1948, but in 1992, the City was dissolved and a Borough was organized for the region.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe; Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. 46.8% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. The area maintains a traditional Tlingit culture with influences from the original Eyak Athabascans, as well as Russian, English and American traders and miners. Fishing and subsistence activities are prevalent.

During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 499 total housing units, and 234 were vacant. 178 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 440 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 7.76%, although 28.22% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $46,786, per capita income was $22,579, and 13.54% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Water is derived from four wells, is treated and piped to all 191 homes in the community and the schools. Several wooden storage tanks provide pressure to the water system; three need replacement. Piped sewage receives primary treatment; a secondary treatment facility is nearing completion. A private firm collects refuse, and the Borough operates the landfill. Electricity is provided by Yakutat Power, Inc., using four diesel-fueled generators.

Electricity is provided by Yakutat Power.

There is one school located in the community, attended by 145 students.

Local hospitals or health clinics include Yakutat Community Health Center (784-3275). The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center Auxiliary health care is provided by Yakutat Volunteer EMS/Rescue (784-3206).

Economy and Transportation

Yakutat's economy is dependent on fishing, fish processing and government. 162 residents hold commercial fishing permits. North Pacific Processors is the major private employer. Recreational fishing opportunities, both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the Situk River, are world-class. Most residents depend on subsistence hunting and fishing. Salmon, trout, shellfish, deer, moose, bear and goats are harvested.

There are scheduled jet flights, air taxis and float plane services to Yakutat. The State owns two jet-certified runways; one is 6,475' long by 150' ide of concrete, the other is 7,745' long by 150' wide of asphalt. The airport is located 3 miles southeast. A seaplane base is available 1 mile northwest. The U.S. Forest Service owns five airstrips in the vicinity, and the National Park Service operates one at East Alsek River. The Borough operates the State-owned boat harbor and the Ocean Cape dock. Monti Bay is the only sheltered deep water port in the Gulf of Alaska. Barges deliver goods monthly during the winter, and more frequently in summer. The new State Ferry Kennicott began serving Yakutat in July 1998. However, severe seas in the Gulf of Alaska during winter months restrict the ferry service to summers only.

Organizations with Local Offices

Borough - City & Borough of Yakutat, P.O. Box 160, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3323 , Fax 907-784-3281 , E-mail: bmanager@ptialaska.net

Regional Native Non-Profit - Yakutat Native Association, P.O. Box 418, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3932 , Fax 907-784-3595 , E-mail: yttgm@hotmail.com

School District - Yakutat School District, P.O. Box 429, Yakutat, AK 99689-0429, Phone 907-784-3317 , Fax 907-784-3446 , E-mail: jnovak@yakutatschools.org

Village Corporation - Yak-Tat Kwaan, Incorporated, P.O. Box 416, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3335 , Fax 907-784-3622

Village Council - Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, P.O. Box 418, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3238 , Fax 907-784-3595 , E-mail: yttgm@hotmail.com

Regional Organizations
Borough - City & Borough of Yakutat, P.O. Box 160, Yakutat 99689
Phone: 907-784-3323
E-mail: bmanager@ptialaska.net

School District - Yakutat School District, P.O. Box 429, Yakutat 99689-0429
Phone: 907-784-3317
E-mail: jnovak@yakutatschools.org

Regional Native Corporation - Sealaska Corporation, One Sealaska Plaza #400, Juneau 99801
Phone: 907-586-1512

Native Housing Authority - Tlingit-Haida Reg Housing Authority, P.O. Box 32237, Juneau 99803
Phone: 907-780-6868
E-mail: thrha@thrha.org
Web: http://www.thrha.org/

Regional Native Health Corporation - Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
3245 Hospital Dr., Juneau 99801, Phone: 907-463-4000
E-mail: ken.brewer@searhc.org
Web: http://www.searhc.org/

Regional Native Non-Profit - Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
320 W. Willoughby Ave., Suite 300, Juneau 99801, Phone: 907-586-1432
E-mail: econdev@ccthita.org
Web: http://www.ccthita.org

Regional Development - Southeast Conference, P.O. Box 21989, Juneau 99802
Phone: 907-463-3445 x23
E-mail: Loren_Gerhard@seconference.org
Web: http://www.seconference.org

 Yakutat

Current Population: 691 (2003 State Demographer est.)

Incorporation Type:
Home Rule Borough

Taxes:
Sales: 4%, Property: 9.0 mills, Special: 1% Salmon; 8% Bed; 8% Car Rental

Location and Climate

Yakutat is isolated among the lowlands along the Gulf of Alaska, 225 miles northwest of Juneau and 220 miles southeast of Cordova. It is at the mouth of Yakutat Bay, one of the few refuges for vessels along this stretch of coast. The Hubbard and Malaspina Glaciers are nearby. It lies at approximately 59.546940° North Latitude and -139.72722° West Longitude (Sec. 30, T027S, R034E, Copper River Meridian). The area encompasses 7,650.5 sq. miles of land and 1,808.8 sq. miles of water. Yakutat has a maritime climate characterized by relatively mild, often rainy weather. Summer temperatures range from 42 to 60; winter temperatures, 17 to 39. Yakutat receives some of the heaviest precipitation in the state, averaging 132 inches, including 219 inches of snowfall.

History, Culture and Demographics

Yakutat has a diverse cultural history. The original settlers are believed to have been Eyak-speaking people from the Copper River area who were conquered by the Tlingits. Yakutat means "the place where the canoes rest." In the 18th and 19th centuries, English, French, Spanish and Russian explorers came to the region. Fur traders were attracted to the region's sea otters. The Russian-American Co. built a fort in Yakutat in 1805 to harvest sea otter pelts. Because the Russians would not allow local Tlingits access to their traditional fisheries, a Tlingit war party attacked and destroyed the post. In 1884, the Alaska Commercial Co. opened a store in Yakutat. By 1886, the black sand beaches in the area were being mined for gold. In 1889 the Swedish Free Mission Church had opened a school and sawmill in the area. A cannery, sawmill, store and railroad were constructed beginning in 1903 by the Stimson Lumber Co. Most residents moved to the current site of Yakutat to be closer to this cannery, which operated through 1970. During World War II, a large aviation garrison and paved runway were constructed. Troops were withdrawn after the war, but the runway is still in use. The City of Yakutat was formed in 1948, but in 1992, the City was dissolved and a Borough was organized for the region.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe; Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. 46.8% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. The area maintains a traditional Tlingit culture with influences from the original Eyak Athabascans, as well as Russian, English and American traders and miners. Fishing and subsistence activities are prevalent.

During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 499 total housing units, and 234 were vacant. 178 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 440 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 7.76%, although 28.22% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $46,786, per capita income was $22,579, and 13.54% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Water is derived from four wells, is treated and piped to all 191 homes in the community and the schools. Several wooden storage tanks provide pressure to the water system; three need replacement. Piped sewage receives primary treatment; a secondary treatment facility is nearing completion. A private firm collects refuse, and the Borough operates the landfill. Electricity is provided by Yakutat Power, Inc., using four diesel-fueled generators.

Electricity is provided by Yakutat Power.

There is one school located in the community, attended by 145 students.

Local hospitals or health clinics include Yakutat Community Health Center (784-3275). The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center Auxiliary health care is provided by Yakutat Volunteer EMS/Rescue (784-3206).

Economy and Transportation

Yakutat's economy is dependent on fishing, fish processing and government. 162 residents hold commercial fishing permits. North Pacific Processors is the major private employer. Recreational fishing opportunities, both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the Situk River, are world-class. Most residents depend on subsistence hunting and fishing. Salmon, trout, shellfish, deer, moose, bear and goats are harvested.

There are scheduled jet flights, air taxis and float plane services to Yakutat. The State owns two jet-certified runways; one is 6,475' long by 150' ide of concrete, the other is 7,745' long by 150' wide of asphalt. The airport is located 3 miles southeast. A seaplane base is available 1 mile northwest. The U.S. Forest Service owns five airstrips in the vicinity, and the National Park Service operates one at East Alsek River. The Borough operates the State-owned boat harbor and the Ocean Cape dock. Monti Bay is the only sheltered deep water port in the Gulf of Alaska. Barges deliver goods monthly during the winter, and more frequently in summer. The new State Ferry Kennicott began serving Yakutat in July 1998. However, severe seas in the Gulf of Alaska during winter months restrict the ferry service to summers only.

Organizations with Local Offices

Borough - City & Borough of Yakutat, P.O. Box 160, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3323 , Fax 907-784-3281 , E-mail: bmanager@ptialaska.net

Regional Native Non-Profit - Yakutat Native Association, P.O. Box 418, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3932 , Fax 907-784-3595 , E-mail: yttgm@hotmail.com

School District - Yakutat School District, P.O. Box 429, Yakutat, AK 99689-0429, Phone 907-784-3317 , Fax 907-784-3446 , E-mail: jnovak@yakutatschools.org

Village Corporation - Yak-Tat Kwaan, Incorporated, P.O. Box 416, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3335 , Fax 907-784-3622

Village Council - Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, P.O. Box 418, Yakutat, AK 99689, Phone 907-784-3238 , Fax 907-784-3595 , E-mail: yttgm@hotmail.com

Regional Organizations
Borough - City & Borough of Yakutat, P.O. Box 160, Yakutat 99689
Phone: 907-784-3323
E-mail: bmanager@ptialaska.net

School District - Yakutat School District, P.O. Box 429, Yakutat 99689-0429
Phone: 907-784-3317
E-mail: jnovak@yakutatschools.org

Regional Native Corporation - Sealaska Corporation, One Sealaska Plaza #400, Juneau 99801
Phone: 907-586-1512

Native Housing Authority - Tlingit-Haida Reg Housing Authority, P.O. Box 32237, Juneau 99803
Phone: 907-780-6868
E-mail: thrha@thrha.org
Web: http://www.thrha.org/

Regional Native Health Corporation - Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
3245 Hospital Dr., Juneau 99801, Phone: 907-463-4000
E-mail: ken.brewer@searhc.org
Web: http://www.searhc.org/

Regional Native Non-Profit - Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
320 W. Willoughby Ave., Suite 300, Juneau 99801, Phone: 907-586-1432
E-mail: econdev@ccthita.org
Web: http://www.ccthita.org

Regional Development - Southeast Conference, P.O. Box 21989, Juneau 99802
Phone: 907-463-3445 x23
E-mail: Loren_Gerhard@seconference.org
Web: http://www.seconference.org

Yakutat History

The City and Borough of Yakutat has a rich history of multiple Native cultures and languages, including Athabaskan, Eyak, and inland and coastal Tlingit, with influence from the Chugach Eskimo and others. The history of European-American culture in the area has made the culture even more complex, with explorers, missionaries, opportunity seekers, and alpinists coming from Russia, Europe, and the U.S., some to make a mark and leave, others to stay.

Yakutat has apparently been a crossroads of sorts since its earliest human habitation. Yakutat Bay, as one of the few protected bays along the northerly edge of the Gulf of Alaska, has always attracted people coming from Southeast Alaska toward the northwest, from Prince William Sound toward the southeast, or toward the coast from inland.

As the only cross-gulf stop for ships or jets, it continues to meet a similar human need in the area today.

It is not known when the first Native peoples settled in the Yakutat area. In the latter part of the 1700s, when Russian explorers first came to the area and recorded information about the Native peoples they met, there were apparently two main divisions in what is today the borough of Yakutat. These were the Dry Bay people and the Yakutat people.

The Dry Bay people likely came to the area from inland. They were partly of Athabaskan culture and language and were related to the Southern Tutchone who lived near the headwaters of the Alsek River (the mouth of which is at Dry Bay). They were intermixed with Tlingit culture and language, both inland Tlingit and coastal Tlingit from farther to the southeast. The territory of the Dry Bay people extended from approximately Cape Fairweather to the Akwe River, a stretch of coast some 50 miles long, with its eastern edge approximately equal to the current southeastern boundary of the borough.

The Yakutat people at that time were apparently of Eyak culture and language, mixed with Atna Athabaskan from the Copper River valley. The Yakutat people controlled an area that stretched from Katalla (west of Cape Suckling) to Mt. Fairweather. These peoples had contact with Eyak, Atna Athabaskan, and Chugach peoples farther west and north, other Athabascans and inland Tlingit cultures in Canada, and the Tlingit farther southeast along the coast. These cultures influenced the borough's cultures through trading, war, potlatches, and intermarriage.

Today, there are five major clans, or groups of relatives (also called "sibs" ) in the Yakutat area. These are all subunits of the Tlingit Eagle clan and the Tlingit Raven clan. and raven clans, which are an integral part of all Tlingit culture across southeast Alaska. Anthropologist Frederica de Laguna characterized the clans as something taken completely for granted - that is, Tlingit people are either Raven or Eagle, in much the same way people are either male or female.

The five sibs are:Teikukeidi (Brown Bear) Lunaxadi (Silver Salmon) Shunkukeidi (Thunder Bird Kwaashkikwaan (Humpback Salmon) Galix Kaagwaantaan (Beaver and Wolf) These families are based on the mothers' lines (matriarchal, matrilineal). Each sib has its own regalia (such as dance shirts) designed with the crests of the sib itself, and of either the eagle or raven clan. These crests identify each clan (or sib itself, and of either the eagle or raven clan. These crests identify each clan (or sib) to other Tlingit clans.

Today's organization under Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc., the village corporation that formed as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, began in the early 1940s. The Colorado Oil Company wanted to drill exploratory wells in the Icy Bay area. The sibs formed the Five Chiefs of Yakutat, which became a corporation and received payment from the oil company in return for use of the area (Farkas 1994). Now these clans are also all represented by the Yakutat Tlingit tribe, a tribal government.

Subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering is an important part of life in Yakutat, although it is different today than it was even 40 years ago. Then, many Tlingit traveled more to different areas during different seasons, and there was perhaps more sharing of catches.

Tradition formerly held that those from a tribal family in the Eagle clan must always marry someone from a tribal family in the Raven clan, and vice versa. In the last 60-70 years, this has become less widely practiced, but the tradition is still often followed. There is no longer pressure and punishment by expulsion from the clan or even death for not following the tradition (Farkas 1994). There is also much marriage between Tlingit and Caucasian peoples.

The Teikweidi sib came from the Dry Bay area to the Ahrnklin River area several miles east of Yakutat Bay. They reportedly bought land there from a clan (sib) based in the Juneau area that is no longer represented in the area. De Laguna reported (1972) that this sib ("Teqwedi") is essentially indigenous to the Yakutat area.

The Shunkukeidi came from the Dry Bay area. Before that, the sib reportedly came from Southeast Alaska via an inland trail then well established over passes along the Alsek River. De Laguna (1972) reported that this sib ("Cankuqedi") was among several Tlingit sibs that came to the area from Southeast Alaska.

The Galix Kaagwaantaan sib was originally part of a migration of Copper River people. They ended up just west of Icy Bay in the Kaliakh Rivers area before coming to Yakutat. De Laguna (1972) reported that this sib ("Galix-Kagwantan") originally spoke eyak and was from the "western gulf coast."

The Lunaxadi sib came to Yakutat from the Latuya Bay and Dry Bay area. De Laguna (1972 reported this sib as "Tl'uknaxadi."

The Kwaashkikwaan were part of the migration of Copper River people to the coast. The sib reportedly came over the glaciers from the interior originally and settled in the Icy Bay area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later, they came to Yakutat Bay and settled on Knight Island. This is apparently the "K""ackqwan" sib de Laguna noted in 1972 as being originally Ahtna Athabaskan from the Copper River.

Yakutat History

The City and Borough of Yakutat has a rich history of multiple Native cultures and languages, including Athabaskan, Eyak, and inland and coastal Tlingit, with influence from the Chugach Eskimo and others. The history of European-American culture in the area has made the culture even more complex, with explorers, missionaries, opportunity seekers, and alpinists coming from Russia, Europe, and the U.S., some to make a mark and leave, others to stay.

Yakutat has apparently been a crossroads of sorts since its earliest human habitation. Yakutat Bay, as one of the few protected bays along the northerly edge of the Gulf of Alaska, has always attracted people coming from Southeast Alaska toward the northwest, from Prince William Sound toward the southeast, or toward the coast from inland.

As the only cross-gulf stop for ships or jets, it continues to meet a similar human need in the area today.

It is not known when the first Native peoples settled in the Yakutat area. In the latter part of the 1700s, when Russian explorers first came to the area and recorded information about the Native peoples they met, there were apparently two main divisions in what is today the borough of Yakutat. These were the Dry Bay people and the Yakutat people.

The Dry Bay people likely came to the area from inland. They were partly of Athabaskan culture and language and were related to the Southern Tutchone who lived near the headwaters of the Alsek River (the mouth of which is at Dry Bay). They were intermixed with Tlingit culture and language, both inland Tlingit and coastal Tlingit from farther to the southeast. The territory of the Dry Bay people extended from approximately Cape Fairweather to the Akwe River, a stretch of coast some 50 miles long, with its eastern edge approximately equal to the current southeastern boundary of the borough.

The Yakutat people at that time were apparently of Eyak culture and language, mixed with Atna Athabaskan from the Copper River valley. The Yakutat people controlled an area that stretched from Katalla (west of Cape Suckling) to Mt. Fairweather. These peoples had contact with Eyak, Atna Athabaskan, and Chugach peoples farther west and north, other Athabascans and inland Tlingit cultures in Canada, and the Tlingit farther southeast along the coast. These cultures influenced the borough's cultures through trading, war, potlatches, and intermarriage.

Today, there are five major clans, or groups of relatives (also called "sibs" ) in the Yakutat area. These are all subunits of the Tlingit Eagle clan and the Tlingit Raven clan. and raven clans, which are an integral part of all Tlingit culture across southeast Alaska. Anthropologist Frederica de Laguna characterized the clans as something taken completely for granted - that is, Tlingit people are either Raven or Eagle, in much the same way people are either male or female.

The five sibs are:Teikukeidi (Brown Bear) Lunaxadi (Silver Salmon) Shunkukeidi (Thunder Bird Kwaashkikwaan (Humpback Salmon) Galix Kaagwaantaan (Beaver and Wolf) These families are based on the mothers' lines (matriarchal, matrilineal). Each sib has its own regalia (such as dance shirts) designed with the crests of the sib itself, and of either the eagle or raven clan. These crests identify each clan (or sib itself, and of either the eagle or raven clan. These crests identify each clan (or sib) to other Tlingit clans.

Today's organization under Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc., the village corporation that formed as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, began in the early 1940s. The Colorado Oil Company wanted to drill exploratory wells in the Icy Bay area. The sibs formed the Five Chiefs of Yakutat, which became a corporation and received payment from the oil company in return for use of the area (Farkas 1994). Now these clans are also all represented by the Yakutat Tlingit tribe, a tribal government.

Subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering is an important part of life in Yakutat, although it is different today than it was even 40 years ago. Then, many Tlingit traveled more to different areas during different seasons, and there was perhaps more sharing of catches.

Tradition formerly held that those from a tribal family in the Eagle clan must always marry someone from a tribal family in the Raven clan, and vice versa. In the last 60-70 years, this has become less widely practiced, but the tradition is still often followed. There is no longer pressure and punishment by expulsion from the clan or even death for not following the tradition (Farkas 1994). There is also much marriage between Tlingit and Caucasian peoples.

The Teikweidi sib came from the Dry Bay area to the Ahrnklin River area several miles east of Yakutat Bay. They reportedly bought land there from a clan (sib) based in the Juneau area that is no longer represented in the area. De Laguna reported (1972) that this sib ("Teqwedi") is essentially indigenous to the Yakutat area.

The Shunkukeidi came from the Dry Bay area. Before that, the sib reportedly came from Southeast Alaska via an inland trail then well established over passes along the Alsek River. De Laguna (1972) reported that this sib ("Cankuqedi") was among several Tlingit sibs that came to the area from Southeast Alaska.

The Galix Kaagwaantaan sib was originally part of a migration of Copper River people. They ended up just west of Icy Bay in the Kaliakh Rivers area before coming to Yakutat. De Laguna (1972) reported that this sib ("Galix-Kagwantan") originally spoke eyak and was from the "western gulf coast."

The Lunaxadi sib came to Yakutat from the Latuya Bay and Dry Bay area. De Laguna (1972 reported this sib as "Tl'uknaxadi."

The Kwaashkikwaan were part of the migration of Copper River people to the coast. The sib reportedly came over the glaciers from the interior originally and settled in the Icy Bay area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later, they came to Yakutat Bay and settled on Knight Island. This is apparently the "K""ackqwan" sib de Laguna noted in 1972 as being originally Ahtna Athabaskan from the Copper River.