Kiana is a small town located in the Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska, United States. It is situated on the east bank of the Kobuk River, about 40 miles east of Kotzebue and 46 miles north of Noatak. Kiana is surrounded by vast tundra plains and low hills, with the Brooks Range rising to the north. The town’s climate is subarctic, with long cold winters and short cool summers. See Topbbacolleges to learn about Aleutians East Borough, Alaska.
The geography of Kiana is characterized by its flat terrain, which makes up much of its landscape. The Kobuk River flows through the town from north to south before emptying into the Chukchi Sea. There are also several smaller creeks that flow into or out of the river. The surrounding tundra plains are covered in low shrubbery as well as grasses and sedges.
Kiana has two main areas: Old Town, where most people live; and New Town, which consists mostly of government buildings, churches and businesses. Old Town has a number of residential streets lined with wooden houses that were built in the early 20th century when Kiana was first established as a trading post for whalers and fur traders. The streets here are narrow and winding, making them difficult to traverse during icy winter months.
To the northeast lies an area known as “the flats” which consists mostly of wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, hares, foxes, owls and other birds. This area also contains several ponds which provide spawning grounds for salmon during their annual migration upriver from late August to early October each year.
Kiana also has several small lakes within its city limits including Lake Kiana which lies at an elevation of about 1120 feet above sea level before flowing into the Kobuk River via a series of small streams that run through it’s northern section before entering Old Town near its western edge.
Overall, Kiana’s geography provides a unique environment for residents to enjoy both natural beauty as well as outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and snowmobiling during winter months when snow accumulates on nearby hillsides and frozen lakes become available for skating or ice-fishing pursuits.
History of Kiana, Alaska
Kiana, Alaska is a small city located in the Northwest Arctic Borough, situated between the Kobuk and Noatak Rivers. Established in 1912 as a trading post for whalers and fur traders, Kiana has a long and rich history. In the early days of settlement, the region was home to indigenous Inupiat Eskimos who had lived in the area for centuries prior to the arrival of European settlers. The town itself was founded by John W. Brown, an American explorer who was part of an expedition in search of new sources of furs and whale oil.
In 1933, Kiana officially became a town when it was incorporated by the Alaska Territorial Legislature. This marked a period of significant growth for Kiana; with new businesses and services being established to meet the needs of its growing population. During World War II, Kiana served as an important transportation hub due to its proximity to several military bases nearby including Fort Greely and Eielson Air Force Base.
In 1968, Kiana joined with other nearby towns to form what is now known as the Northwest Arctic Borough; allowing residents access to services such as schools and health care that they may not have otherwise been able to receive on their own. This also helped create jobs through various government contracts that were awarded during this period.
Kiana’s population continued to grow steadily throughout much of the 20th century; reaching its peak in 1980 when it had over 2200 people living within its boundaries. Since then however, there has been a steady decline in population due largely to young people moving away from rural areas like Kiana in search of better employment opportunities elsewhere.
Today, Kiana remains an important hub for commerce and trade within Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough; serving as both a regional center for services such as health care and education while still maintaining its connection with its past through traditional activities such as fishing, hunting and whaling that are still practiced by many residents today. Despite facing some economic challenges over recent years, Kiana continues to be an important part of Alaska’s history; providing both locals and visitors alike with an opportunity to experience life in one of America’s last true frontier towns.
Economy of Kiana, Alaska
Kiana, Alaska is a small town located in the Northwest Arctic Borough of the state. It has a population of approximately 1,300 people and is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Kobuk and Noatak. Kiana has a long history as an important trading center in Alaska, dating back centuries prior to the arrival of European settlers. The town was founded by John W. Brown, an American explorer who was part of an expedition in search of new sources of furs and whale oil.
Today, Kiana’s economy is based largely on fishing and hunting activities that have been practiced by its residents for generations. The town’s location at the confluence of two rivers provides easy access to both freshwater and saltwater species such as salmon, Arctic Char, whitefish, cod and halibut; all of which are harvested for commercial purposes or sold directly to local markets. Hunting also continues to be an important activity for many residents; with caribou being the most commonly hunted species due to their abundance in the area.
Kiana also serves as a regional center for services such as health care and education due to its incorporation into the Northwest Arctic Borough in 1968. This has helped create jobs through various government contracts that have been awarded over recent years; providing employment opportunities for local residents while helping to support economic growth within Kiana itself.
In addition to its traditional industries such as fishing and hunting, Kiana is also home to several businesses that cater specifically towards tourists visiting from outside Alaska; offering visitors a chance to experience life in one of America’s last true frontier towns. These businesses include restaurants, hotels/lodges, gift shops and tour companies; all offering unique experiences that attract visitors from around the world each year.
Overall, Kiana’s economy is diverse yet firmly rooted in traditional activities such as fishing and hunting which have been practiced by its residents since time immemorial; providing both locals and visitors alike with an opportunity to experience life in one of America’s last true frontier towns. Despite facing some economic challenges over recent years due largely to population decline caused by young people moving away from rural areas like Kiana in search of better employment opportunities elsewhere; it remains an important hub for commerce within Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough with plenty more potential yet untapped waiting just around the corner.
Politics in Kiana, Alaska
Politics in Kiana, Alaska are strongly influenced by its location within the Northwest Arctic Borough. As the largest city in the borough, Kiana is home to a diverse population with a variety of beliefs and opinions on various political issues. This is reflected in the fact that Kiana has always had a strong tradition of civic engagement, with many residents actively participating in local politics and voting during elections.
The current mayor of Kiana is David A. Nukapigak Jr., who was elected in 2016 and re-elected for another term in 2020. The mayor is supported by a five-member city council which consists of representatives from each district within the city limits. The council meets monthly to discuss local issues and pass legislation pertaining to taxes, public services, land use, zoning regulations, economic development projects and other matters.
Kiana’s political system is based on the traditional Inupiat values of democracy and consensus-building; which means that decisions made by local government are usually reached through discussion and compromise between members from different backgrounds or parties rather than through strict partisan lines. This type of approach has helped ensure that all voices within the community are heard before any major changes take place; allowing for greater transparency and accountability within local government.
At the state level, Kiana’s residents vote for two senators who represent them in Alaska’s state legislature; while federal representation comes from Alaska’s lone member of Congress who serves as a representative for all Alaskans at the national level.
Overall, politics in Kiana are largely driven by its diverse population who take an active role in their own governance through their involvement with local government; while also having their voices heard at both state and federal levels when it comes to larger issues that affect all Alaskans.