The Community
Nuiqsut is located 15 to 18 miles south of the Nechelik Channel entrance, which is the head of the Colville River at the Beaufort Sea, and 136 miles southeast of Barrow. The Colville River Delta has traditionally been a gathering and trading place for the Inupiat, and a good source for hunting and fishing. After 27 Barrow families moved overland to the area, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation funded construction of the village in 1974. The new residents lived in a tent city for 18 months before permanent housing could be built. Nuiqsut was incorporated as a second class city in 1975.

Population and Economy
In 1998, there were 420 residents in Nuiqsut and a labor force of about 176. Approximately 90 percent of residents are Inupiat Eskimos. Like all North Slope villages, Nuiqsut's economy is based primarily on subsistence hunting, fishing, and whaling. Local game includes bowhead whales, caribou, seals, moose, and waterfowl; fish include whitefish, burbot, arctic char and grayling.

Nearly one-third of the work force is employed in the private sector, mostly by the Kuukpik Village Corporation and the construction industry. The North Slope Borough employs 30 percent of the work force, and the School District employs another 6.45 percent.

Some residents sell local arts and crafts including skin masks and boats, fur mittens, parkas and carved ivory.

Quality of Life
The borough provides public electricity and delivers water from a freshwater lagoon at a minimal cost. The borough also provides free trash and sewage pick-up services. Most households have running water and flush toilets. There is a laundromat available in town.

Trapper School holds classes from preschool to grade 12 and offers adult basic education. A health clinic, staffed by community health aides, is open each day and is available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Nuiqsut has a public safety building and fire station equipped with fire engines and an ambulance. The village also has a public transit system. Communications include phones, mail, public radio and cable TV.

Supplies available in town include groceries, clothing, first-aid supplies, hardware, and camera film and sporting goods. Available fuel includes marine gas, diesel, propane, and white gas kerosene and regular gasoline. The City of Nuiqsut bans the possession, sale and importation of alcoholic beverages.

Residents and visitors enjoy such activities as snowmobile rides, bingo and activities at the Kisik Community Center. Traditional dances are performed on the Fourth of July and at other celebrations. A Presbyterian Church serves the community. Nuiqsut also has a softball field. Nuiqsut is served by scheduled and chartered flights from Barrow. Freight arrives year-round by air cargo.

Nuiqsut residents have access to the Dalton Highway 4 months out of the year. It is the most northern town with road access.

For More Information Contact:
City of Nuiqsut
P.O. Box 148
Nuiqsut, AK 99789
(907) 480-6727