Local Culture
 The
Koyukuk/Nowitna Refuge Complex headquarters is in Galena, a village
of approximately 700 people located on the Yukon River. Galena was
established before 1920 as a supply point for the mining of galena
(lead sulphite ore) south of the Yukon River. Galena serves as a transportation
hub for nearby villages. More like a town than a village, Galena has
the advantages of direct air service to Fairbanks, modern communications,
river access, two general stores and a gas station, a K-12 school,
and health clinic. There are seven smaller villages in the region:
Tanana, Ruby, Koyukuk, Nulato, Kaltag, Huslia and Hughes. Typical
of bush Alaska, the area is roadless and access to the villages is
only by river boat in the summer, snowmachine in the winter, or small
airplanes which are able to fly in year-round (depending on the weather).
Until the mid 1800's, the only inhabitants of the area
were the Koyukon Athabascans, a nomadic people who moved with the seasons
(winter camp, spring camp, summer fish camp, and fall camp) to harvest
available resources. Today, most people live in the villages year-round,
although they still utilize seasonal camps to a some extent. Although
Athabascan is the predominant culture of the area, a diverse group of
people call this region home. Because of the harsh climate and the limited
number of people who live here, the communities in the area share strong
family and neighborly ties and enjoy the unique character of a small
town in bush Alaska. Due to the Refuge’s remoteness, the majority
of refuge use is by local area residents.
Sharing a commitment to our land, wildlife, and
culture...
Many of the values and founding principles of National
Wildlife Refuges are in harmony with Athabascan values and goals. Respecting
and caring for our natural resources, ensuring wildlife populations
remain healthy, and passing these values on to younger generations --
all are part of the mission of the Koyukuk and Nowitna National Wildlife
Refuges and the communities in which we work.
Elders, mostly in their 60's and 70's, from communities
in and near the refuges have a vast and valuable knowledge of the area's
natural history. These people are among the last generation who grew
up living off the land completely by hunting, fishing, trapping and
gathering. Their insight about past changes in animal abundance and
habitat conditions are extremely valuable because wildlife studies were
very limited before the refuges were established.
Efforts to learn from local elders and record their observations include
Raven's Story, a radio program produced in cooperation with Koyukuk/Nowitna
NWR and Galena's KIYU Radio. You can hear stories recorded for Raven's
Story at Project
Jukebox and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Last updated: April 4, 2010
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