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 about 1919 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 http://www.kiyu.com/raven.html or Project Jukebox and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Last updated: July 22, 2008
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