Akhiok

Akhiok is a second class city of the Kodiak Island Borough, located off the road system at the southern end of Kodiak Island at Alitak Bay. It is approximately 80 air miles north of the City of Kodiak. Akhiok has a maritime climate, with cool summers and relatively warm winters. Average temperatures range from 25 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is 35 inches.

There are no Harbor or Dock facilities in Akhiok. Barge Service is sporadic. Small boats may be beached or anchoraged in Akhiok Bay. See the Port Facilities section of the Kodiak Urban Area GRIN for nearby facilities.

There are no stores, restaurants, or lodging facilities in Akhiok. Emergency and medical services are limited; there are a few EMT and ETT trained people in the village response team, as well as a clinic. They have no ambulance. Please visit the Kodiak Urban Area of the GRIN to find the nearest resources and facilities.

People

Population: 44

The original village of Kashukugniut was occupied by Russians in the early 19th century. The community was originally a sea otter hunting settlement, located at Humpy Cove. The name Akhiok was reported in the 1880 Census. In 1881, residents relocated to the present site at Alitak Bay. The community's Russian Orthodox church, Protection of the Theotokos Chapel, was built around 1900 at the site of an earlier structure. A post office was established in 1933. Residents of nearby Kaguyak relocated to Akhiok after the 1964 earthquake and tsunami destroyed their village. The City was incorporated in 1972.

Approximately 93.5% of the population are Alaskan Natives. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community.

Economy

Public sector employment and seasonal work provide cash flow in the community. Five residents hold commercial fishing permits. Almost all of Akhiok's residents depend heavily on subsistence fishing and hunting. Salmon, crab, shrimp, clams, ducks, seal, deer, rabbit and bear are utilized. The community is interested in developing a fish smokery and cold storage facility. Since January 2003, each Akhiok shareholder received $200,000 from sales of a $36 million trust fund provided in the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement.

According to a 2000 U.S. Census, Akhiok was estimated to support 30 local jobs. The official unemployment rate for Akhiok was 14.3%, with a median household income of $33,438. Akhiok workers are dependent upon fishing.

Transportation

Akhiok has no overland access roads; travel is done by air or water. Several local commercial air carriers service Akhiok, with daily mail flights and chartered flights available as well.

The road system within the City of Akhiok is limited to gravel roads and paths. There are some vehicles and also ATVs in the community.

Government

The Kodiak Area Native Association is

currently developing an Emergency

Operations Plan for the villages on Kodiak Island. Please contact the KANA EMS Coordinator at 486-9402 for Emergency Resources and Capabilities in Akhiok.