- Community Type: 2nd Class City
- Current Population: 757
- Borough Name: Unorganized
- Regional Native Corporation: Calista Corporation
- Regional Native Non-Profit: Kuigpagmiut, Inc.
- Village Native Corporation: Azachorok Incorporated
- REAA/School District: Lower Yukon Schools
- Latitude: 62° 34' N
- Longitude: 163° 31' W
- See Map of the region
- Land Area: 4.30
- Water Area: 0.0
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| Location:
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Mountain Village is on the north bank
of the Yukon River, approximately 20 miles west of St. Mary's and 470 miles
northwest of Anchorage. It is at the foot of the 500' Azachorok Mountain,
the first mountain encountered by those traveling up the Yukon.Mountain
Village is on the north bank of the Yukon River, approximately 20 miles west
of St. Mary's and 470 miles northwest of Anchorage. It is at the foot of the
500' Azachorok Mountain, the first mountain encountered by those traveling
up the Yukon. |
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| History:
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Mountain Village was a summer fish
camp until the opening of a general store in 1908. This prompted residents
of Liberty Landing and Johnny's Place to immigrate. A Covenant Church
missionary school was also built in that same year. A post office was
established in 1923, followed by a salmon saltery in 1956 and a cannery in
1964. All three have since ceased operating. The City government was
incorporated in 1967. Mountain Village became a regional education center in
1976 when it was selected as headquarters for the Lower Yukon School
District. |
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| Culture:
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A federally recognized tribe is
located in the community -- the Asa'carsarmiut Tribal Council. 93.5% of the
population are Alaska Native or part Native. It is a Yup'ik Eskimo
community with traditional subsistence practices. Commercial fishing and
fish processing provide income. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned
in the village. |
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| Economy:
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Mountain Village has a seasonal
economy based on fishing and subsistence. 92 residents hold commercial
fishing permits. There are a few full-time positions with the City, school
district, federal government and native corporation. Subsistence foods are
relied upon, including salmon, moose and waterfowl. Some residents trap for
additional income. |
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| Transportation:
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A summer road links Mountain Village
to Pitka's Point, Andreafsky and St. Mary's. The community is accessible by
riverboat or barge. A State-owned 2,520' gravel airstrip is available, and
floatplanes land on the Yukon River. In the winter, passengers, cargo and
mail are flown in by plane. Snowmachines and skiffs are used for local
transportation.
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| Climate:
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The climate is continental with
maritime influences. Temperatures range from -44 to 80. Precipitation
averages 16 inches, with snowfall of 44 inches per year. High winds and low
visibility are common during winter. The Lower Yukon is ice-free from
mid-June to October. |
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