Before New Stuyahok

New Stuyahok

Geographical Information:

New Stuyahok lies 53 miles northeast of Dillingham, Southwest Alaska, up the Nushagok river, and lies on its western shore. The landscape is relatively flat, and tundra-like. Rolling hills surround the area. To the west, the Kuskokwim mountains can be seen in the distance, and to the east, the Alaska Range. It lies within the Dillingham census area, and the school district is Southwest Region School District (SRSD).

Cultural Heritage:

Yup'ik culture had influenced the area of New Stuyahok for centuries, but Russian influence, such as the Russian Orthodox church, had been incorporated into the culture when Russian settlers made their way along the south western coast. The village is roughly 95% Native Alaskans, most of which grew up in the village, or in a neighboring one along the river. The elders and other community members hold a lot of power in what happens in the town, and often attend council meetings in Dillingham.

For the most part, the native residents of New Stuyahok rely on subsistence hunting, trapping, and primarily fishing. Through the winter months, ice fishing and trapping is prevalent, and during the summer, salmon fishing is at its peak. There is a small store in town, but for the most part, residents live subsistence. The school provides lunches for all students, and even elders.

Government and Regional Coorperation:

The Native Alaskans of New Stuyahok fall under the Bristol Bay Native Cooperation, based in Dillingham. The Police force, and many other government services are also based in Dillingham. There is a clinic and a public safety office in the village, but there is no hospital or Trooper station.

Education:

The K-12 school in New Stuyahok is about four years old, and named after Chief Ivan Blunka of New Stuyahok. It provides education for all students in the village from Kindgergarden to 12^th grade, and is equipped with modern technology and up to date classrooms and supplies. There are about 160 students total in the school, and the amount of students in each grade vary greatly. Some classes are about five students, while others can be nearly a full class size. The school district that is in charge of it is the SRSD district, which serves schools outside the Dillingham district, but still within its census area.