Yukon River communities: pathway to rural Alaska tourism.

AuthorBarbour, Tracy
PositionRegional Review

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The Yukon River is the longest river in Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory. At 1,980 miles in length, it also has the distinction of being the third-longest river in North America.

The river--which flows northwest across the Yukon border into Alaska, continues southwest across Central Alaska and empties into the Bearing Sea--has played an important role in Alaska's history. During the Klondike Gold Rush from 1896 to 1903, it served as an important means of transportation for paddle-wheel riverboats.

Even the name of the river conveys a sense of importance; Yukon means "great river" in Gwich'in. The river was called Kwiguk or "large stream" in Yupik.

Over the years, a number of small communities have originated along the path of the Yukon. The river flows past Circle, Fort Yukon, Beaver, Stevens Village, Tanana, Ruby, Galena, Nulato, Grayling, Holy Cross, Russian Mission, Marshall, Pilot Station, St. Marys and Mountain Village. After Mountain Village, the waterway splits into various channels that run into the communities of Alakanuk, Emmonak and Kotlik. Emmonak, with nearly 800 residents, is the largest of these communities. Its gravel airstrip serves as the regional hub for flights.

GALENA, SAFE FOR KIDS

Galena is another key Yukon River community, serving a population of about 670 residents. Long-time mayor Russ Sweetsir is happy to be counted among them. When he went to Galena almost 40 years ago just to visit, he was "captivated" by the personality of the community and its people. "The majority of the people are hardworking, forward-thinking, easy to get along with, and they take ownership of their community."

Galena residents also possess a willingness to work together, Sweetsir says. "A lot of our successes, I believe, can be attributed to the collaborative working relationship between the city, the Galena Village Tribe and the school district," he said. "People in leadership are willing, wise enough, and able to set aside personal agendas to stay focused on what is best for Galena for, hopefully, generations to come."

For these and other reasons, Sweetsir feels Galena is a great place to raise children. In fact, one of the city's top priorities is to provide quality education and activities for young people.

"Many people here are committed to maintaining a community that is safe for children and where children are valued and come first," Sweetsir said.

He is also concerned about improving the city to benefit...

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