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Shishmaref

(SHISH-muh-reff)

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Powerful storm surges have caused erosion problems

Shishmaref is located on Sarichef Island, in the Chukchi Sea, just north of Bering Strait. Shishmaref is five miles from the mainland, 126 miles north of Nome and 100 miles southwest of Kotzebue. The village is surrounded by the 2.6 million-acre Bering Land Bridge National Reserve. It is part of the Beringian National Heritage Park, endorsed by Presidents Bush and Gorbachev in 1990. The original Eskimo name for the island is "Kigiktaq." In 1816, Lt. Otto Von Kotzebue named the inlet "Shishmarev," after a member of his crew. Excavations at "Keekiktuk" by archaeologists around 1821 provided evidence of Eskimo habitation from several centuries ago. Shishmaref has an excellent harbor, and around 1900 it became a supply center for gold mining activities to the south. The village was named after the Inlet and a post office was established in 1901. The City government was incorporated in 1969. During October 1997, a severe storm eroded over 30 feet of the north shore, requiring 14 homes and the National Guard Armory to be relocated. Five additional homes were relocated in 2002. Other storms have continued to erode the shoreline, an average of 3 to 5 feet per year on the north shore. In July 2002, residents voted to relocate the community.  Efforts still continue to find money to help the community relocate. For more information visit this Website: www.shishmarefrelocation.com .


Original power plant


Original tank farm


New rip-rap seawall to help minimize erosion

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Shishmaref Facts

Community Profile

Community Facilities

Economy

The Shishmaref economy is based on subsistence supplemented by part-time wage earnings. Two residents hold a commercial fishing permit. Year-round jobs are limited. Villagers rely on fish, walrus, seal, polar bear, rabbit, and other subsistence foods. Two reindeer herds are managed from here. Reindeer skins are tanned locally, and meat is available at the village store. The Friendship Center, a cultural center and carving facility, was recently completed for local artisans.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Shishmaref. It is a traditional Inupiat Eskimo village with a fishing and subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned. Shishmaref's primary link to the rest of Alaska is by air. Most people own boats for trips to the mainland.

Climate

Community Weather

clear below 12,000 ft   Clear, 52°F

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