AVEC Facilities: Shungnak

AVEC Facilities

Shungnak

(SHUNG-nack)

Shungnak is located on the west bank of the Kobuk River about 150 miles east of Kotzebue. The original settlement was 10 miles further upstream at Kobuk. Shungnak was founded in 1899 as a supply point for mining activities in the Cosmos Hills, this Inupiat Eskimo village was forced to move in the 1920s because of river erosion and flooding. The old site, 10 miles upstream, was renamed Kobuk by those who remained there. The new village was named "Kochuk," but later reverted to Shungnak. This name is derived from the Eskimo word "Issingnak," which means jade, a stone found extensively throughout the surrounding hills. The City government was incorporated in 1967.

Original tank farm

View from within the community

See more images for Shungnak

< PREVIOUS | ↑ BACK TO MAP ↑ | NEXT >

Shungnak Facts

Community Profile

Current Population: 260
# of Consumers: 84
Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City
Total Generating Capacity (kw): 1,248

Community Facilities

Water obtained from the Kobuk River. A portable pump fills a storage tank through buried arctic pipe.
Groundwater wells have proven unsuccessful.
Piped water and sewer are provided to homes at the top of the bluff, the clinic, school and community building.
A buried gravity sewage main drains into a small diked lake. The main, lift station and manholes need replacement. The effluent is chlorinated before discharge.
Landfill
Gravel runway
Barge service in summer
One school
Local health clinic
Emergency Services have river and air access.

Economy

Shungnak subsists mainly on fishing, seasonal employment, hunting and trapping. Subsistence food sources include sheefish, whitefish, caribou, moose, ducks and berries. Most full-time employment is with the school district, City, Maniilaq Association, two stores and a lodge. BLM provides seasonal employment in fire fighting, hiring over 30 residents each year. Shungnak also has a strong arts and crafts industry; residents make and sell finely-crafted baskets, masks, mukluks, parkas, hats and mittens. The community wants to develop a visitor center, mini-mall, post office and clinic complex at Dahl Creek.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Shungnak. It is a traditional Inupiat Eskimo village with a subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. High School students from Kobuk attend school in Shungnak. Small boats, ATVs, snowmachines and dog sleds are used for local travel and subsistence activities. Trails along the river are still used for inter-village travel.

Climate

Transitional climate zone
Winter temperatures average -10 to 15
Summer temperatures average 40 to 65
Temperature extremes have been recorded from -60 to 90
Snowfall averages 80 in/yr
Precipitation averages 16 in/yr
The Kobuk River is navigable from the end of May to mid-October.

Community Weather

clear below 12,000 ft Clear, 52°F

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Main Site Navigation