UNALAKLEET NATIVE CORPORATION

ACHIEVING QUALITY OF LIFE & PRESERVING OUR CULTURE

Services and Resources

Joint Resolution: Unalakleet Native Corporation, Unalakleet City Council, and Native Village of Unalakleet IRA Council (2012-2019)

According to the joint resolution between the Unalakleet Native Corporation (UNC), Unalakleet City Council, and the Native Village of Unalakleet IRA Council, UNC was established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) with a mission to serve the people, community, and businesses of the tribe by promoting economic opportunities that enhance the economic, social, and environmental quality of life.

Under this resolution, the three entities are jointly responsible for planning and implementing economic development initiatives for the tribe. This includes developing a community economic development strategy that:

  • Guides the economic growth of the village,

  • Increases local employment opportunities,

  • Promotes a stable and diversified economy,

  • Enhances the quality of life for residents, and

  • Preserves the cultural heritage of the community.

Unalakleet Native Corporation: Community Support and Services

Unalakleet Native Corporation provides essential support to the local community and surrounding areas of Alaska through residential and commercial gas services, as well as home heating fuel.

The corporation also operates a grocery store, a fast-food restaurant, and a mechanic shop that offers a variety of products to residents.

Additional services include a fuel facility, a retail store, office rental spaces, and a large rental unit located in Anchorage.

Unalakleet Native Corporation: Services and Strategic Goals

Services Provided:

  • Fuel Services: Gas, heating oil, and propane.

  • Automotive and Equipment Repairs: Mechanic shop for automotive, ATV, and snow machine services.

  • Housing and Rentals: Apartments and rental units.

  • Retail and Leasing: Local Native store and leasing space for the Post Office, NWC, NSEDC, and other offices.

Priorities and Strategic Goals:

  • Subdivision Development: 10 available lots with road access; plan to extend roads to future lots.

  • Housing Expansion: Develop additional apartment units.

  • Healthcare Support: Increase clinic staffing.

Population

Land Area

Year Founded

Water Area

Unalakleet, Alaska

Where History, Heritage and Heart Meet the Sound

 

Nestled on the windswept shores of Norton Sound, the City of Unalakleet stands as a resilient and spirited hub of culture, history, and tradition in Western Alaska. Officially incorporated in 1974, Unalakleet’s roots stretch back far deeper. The name “Unalakleet” comes from the Iñupiaq word meaning “from the southern side,” a reference to its geographic position and longstanding identity as a gathering place for trade, travel, and tradition.

For centuries, Unalakleet has served as a vital crossroads in Alaska’s interior. It marks the terminus of the historic Kaltag Portage—a critical winter route connecting the Yukon River to the Bering Sea. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Inupiat and Yup’ik, used this corridor for trade, sharing resources, stories, and ways of life. This spirit of exchange continues to shape the community today.

Home to about 700 residents, Unalakleet is a beacon of cultural strength. Three pillars work together here: the Native Village of Unalakleet oversees tribal governance, the Unalakleet Native Corporation manages lands and economic development, and the City of Unalakleet maintains infrastructure. Their collaboration reflects a balance of tradition and modern stewardship.

Unalakleet is also the first checkpoint on Norton Sound during the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—851 miles from Anchorage. Each March, excitement fills the air as mushers arrive, greeted by locals with warmth and pride.

Beyond history and endurance, Unalakleet is fueled by passion. The town rallies behind its beloved school teams—the Wolfpack—in basketball and cross-country, fostering unity and pride. Subsistence living, hunting, fishing, and cultural festivals remain key parts of life, passing values and knowledge from one generation to the next.

For visitors, Unalakleet is more than a stop on the map—it’s a living story. The rhythm of drums, the breath of sled dogs, the glow of auroras above the tundra—it all stays with you.

A place where the past and future meet on the edge of the sea. A place that stays with you long after you leave.

Visitor Tips

  • Dress in layers—weather is changeable, even in summer.
  • Ask permission before taking photos of people or cultural events.
  • Limited stores—bring essentials like toiletries, snacks, or batteries.
  • Cash is helpful—some shops may not accept cards.
  • Embrace the pace—life moves with the land and weather here.

Plan Your Visit

Unalakleet is accessible via flights from Anchorage and Nome. Weather may affect schedules, so plan ahead. Lodging includes local inns and family-run B&Bs—especially in high season during Iditarod.

Explore hiking trails, rivers, and sea views. Winter brings snowmachining and cultural events. Reach out to local organizations for tours and happenings:

Unalakleet, Alaska, is a remote Iñupiaq village situated on the Norton Sound, approximately 395 miles northwest of Anchorage and 148 miles southeast of Nome. Accessible primarily by air, Unalakleet offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.Travel Alaska+1Bering Air+1

✈️ Getting to Unalakleet

By Air:

  • Bering Air provides regular passenger and cargo flights to Unalakleet from Nome and other regional hubs. For reservations, contact (907) 443-5464 or toll-free at 1-800-478-5422. Bering Air

  • Kenai Aviation has taken over the route previously serviced by Ravn Alaska as of May 12, 2025. For flight information and bookings, please visit their website. ravnalaska.com

  • Expedia and Skyscanner offer tools to search for flights to Unalakleet Airport (UNK), allowing you to compare prices and find the best deals. expedia SkyscannerSkyscanner+1expedia+1

Note: Unalakleet Airport (UNK) is the main airport serving the area. It’s located approximately 1 mile northwest of the town center. expedia

🏞️ Exploring Unalakleet

Unalakleet is known for its rich cultural history and outdoor activities. The Unalakleet River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Bureau of Land Management

The town also serves as a checkpoint on the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, providing a unique experience for visitors during the event.

🛌 Accommodation

For lodging options, consider the Unalakleet River Lodge, which offers comfortable accommodations and guided outdoor activities. Unalakleet River Lodge

📞 Travel Information

  • City of Unalakleet: P.O. Box 28, Unalakleet, AK 99684. Phone: (907) 624-3531 Bering Air

  • Bering Air Local Agent: Phone: (907) 624-3175, Toll-free: 1-800-390-7970 Bering Air+1unk.gov+1