Community of Point Lay

On the Chukchi Sea, 152 miles southwest of Barrow, one will find the traditional community of Kali, named Point Lay on the maps of today. One of the well-known characteristics of this small community is the active subsistence life-style. In addition to the coastal fish, animals and birds that are harvested, Point Lay is a whaling community. Residents have hunted the beluga whale that migrates in considerable numbers through the shallow shore waters for years. In 2008 they were granted rights to strike one bowhead whale per year, therefore, reviving a custom of years past.

Point Lays is an active community with modern public facilities. The modern infrastructure of Point Lay includes an elementary and high school complex, power generation plant, water and sewage treatment facilities, a public health clinic, fire station. search & rescue base, a new police station, community teleconference center, laundromat, post office, a general store, and a small hotel. Physical transportations is provided by scheduled and chartered aircraft. The current population of Point Lay total approximately 246 and ninety-two percent are Iñupiat Eskimos. Local residents are employed to provide health, education, public safety, and administrative services. The subsistence hunting and fishing, and whaling activities remain a significant component of the local economy.