The People
The Bering Strait region has 9,245 residents, according to 2006 US Census Bureau
report.
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
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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.
Tundra in fall near Nome. Photo by © Nadja
Demos
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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.
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Diomede children play under a walrus skin boat. |
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Two Shaktoolik elders head out to pick berries.
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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.
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