Norton Sound Health Corporation

ABOUT NSHC

Our Region - The People

The Bering Strait region has 9,050 residents, according to Census 2000.

About 75 percent are Alaska Natives and fall into three distinct linguistic and cultural groups: Inupiat, Central Yup'ik, and Siberian Yupik. The population of Nome is fairly evenly split between Natives and non-Natives. Populations of the neighboring villages are primarily Native.

Village economies are a hybrid of cash and subsistence. Very few jobs are available in the villages. Many residents still live traditional lifestyles, relying on land and sea for much of their food. Village elders are the cultural and spiritual leaders of their communities. Subsistence gathering and preparation of traditional foods, Eskimo dancing, and efforts to preserve Native languages are very important to many of these communities today.

Diomede children play under a walrus skin boat.

Two Shaktoolik elders head out to pick berries.

Our Region - The Lifestyle

The Bering Strait region is ideal for the adventurous. One can hike, ski, snowmobile, ride an ATV, or dogsled across the tundra. The terrain varies from the broad coastal plain with miles of pristine shoreline to craggy mountains of over 4,800 feet. There are hidden lakes, remote valleys and windy peaks to explore. The scenery is breathtaking.

Wildlife abounds. Hunters and photographers alike can stalk grizzly bear, moose, caribou, red fox, and many other animals. Fishing is possible year round-in winter, through the ice.

Nome is famous as a turn-of-the-century Gold Rush town and was once Alaska's largest city with 30,000 residents. Today, Nome has 3,500 residents and is known as the end of the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Located 500 miles from Anchorage, the community has jet service two to three times daily.

Nome is a small town with a true sense of community. It is also a place where you can make a difference. If you don't find activities that match your interests, start them! The Nome Arts Council brings many performers to the area while offering opportunities for residents to take part in music and arts events. The Nome Recreation Center is a great place to stay in shape during the long winters. Joining a basketball league, going berry-picking, or racing a homemade raft down the Nome River during the Midnight Sun Festival are among the many things to do in Nome.

If you long for the wilds of Alaska, a simpler hometown lifestyle, or just something different, you will love life in Nome and the Bering Strait region.