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Emmonak

(ee-MAHN-nuck)

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Emmonak is located at the mouth of the Yukon River, 10 miles from the Bering Sea, on the north bank of Kwiguk Pass. It lies 120 air miles northwest of Bethel and 490 air miles from Anchorage, in the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.The village was originally called "Kwiguk," a Yup'ik word meaning "big stream." Villagers call themselves "Kuigpagmuit," or "people from the Yukon River." It has also been called "Emanguk" by the Census Bureau. The original settlement was 1.4 miles south of its present location, and was first reported by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1899. A post office was established there in 1920. Later, commercial fishing became a major industry in the village and the northern Commercial Company built a cannery. In 1964, the cannery was washed away by floods. That same year, the City government was incorporated. Due to increasing flooding and erosion, the village was relocated 1.4 miles north of Kwiguk in 1964-65. The new location was renamed Emmonak, which means "blackfish." 
Original power plant and tank farm

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Emmonak Facts

Community Profile

Community Facilities

Economy

The City experiences a seasonal economy as a center for commercial fishing, purchasing and processing on the lower Yukon River. Yukon Delta Fish Marketing Co-op and Bering Sea Fisheries process and export salmon from Emmonak. 101 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Subsistence activities, trapping and public assistance support income. The majority of the community travels to fish camps during the summer months to dry salmon for winter use. Moose, beluga whale, seal and waterfowl are also utilized.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Emmonak Village. The population of the community consists of 93.9% Alaska Native or part Native. Emmonak is a Yup'ik Eskimo village involved in commercial fishing, processing and subsistence activities. Residents of Chuloonawick, a nearby fish camp, also live in Emmonak. The sale, importation and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.

There are no connecting roads, but winter trails to Kotlik, Alakanuk and Sheldon Point are used by snow machines. Skiffs and ATVs are using during the summer for local transportation.

Climate

Community Weather

broken clouds   Broken clouds, 48°F

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