Location and Climate Russian Mission is located on the west bank of the Yukon River in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 25 miles southeast of Marshall. It lies 70 air miles northeast of Bethel and 376 miles west of Anchorage.
The area encompasses 5.7 sq. miles of land and 0.5 sq. miles of water. The climate exhibits a significant maritime influence. Temperatures range from -54 to 86. Annual precipitation is 16 inches, with snowfall of 60 inches. Heavy northern winds often limit air access in the fall and winter. The Lower Yukon is ice-free from mid-June through October.
History, Culture and Demographics The first Russian American Company fur trading post on the Yukon River was established here in 1837. The settlement was recorded as an Eskimo village called "Iqurmiut," meaning "people of the point," in 1842 by the Russian explorer Zagoskin. The first Russian Orthodox mission in Interior Alaska was established here in 1857 by the Russian-Aleut priest Jacob Netzuetov. The mission was called "Pokrovskaya Mission," and the village name was changed to Russian Mission in 1900. It was often confused with another village on the Kuskokwim called "Russian Mission." This village was renamed Chuathbaluk. The
City was incorporated in 1970.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Iqurmiut Tribe. The population of the community consists of 93.9% Alaska Native or part Native. Russian Mission is a Yup'ik Eskimo village. Subsistence is the focus of the culture.
The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 81. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 83 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 21.7 percent, although 52.84 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $27,500, per capita income was $8,358, and 21.77 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.
Economy and Transportation Employment opportunities are limited to the school, local businesses and fishing. Eleven residents hold commercial fishing permits. Seasonal employment includes BLM firefighting and construction. Some income is earned from trapping, and subsistence activities are prevalent. Salmon, moose, black bear, porcupine, rabbit and waterfowl are utilized.
Russian Mission's location on the Yukon River allows barge and small boat travel during the summer. Passengers, mail and light goods arrive primarily by air. A 4,000' long by 110' wide gravel airstrip and seaplane landing area are owned and operated by the State. Scheduled daily flights are available. Snow machines enable inter-village transportation in the winter; a winter trail is marked to Kalskag (45 mi.) on the Kuskokwim River and to Marshall (35mi.) on the Yukon River.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care Water is derived from a deep well, is treated and distributed via buried pipes throughout the community. All homes are also connected to the piped sewage system, including 25 new HUD homes. The City has requested funds to replace the plumbing and fixtures in 15 homes. Refuse is disposed of by individuals at the landfill; a new site is needed. Electricity is provided by AVEC. Local hospitals or health clinics include Russian Mission Clinic (584-5529); Clara Morgan Sub-Regional Clinic (675-4556) in Aniak. Russian Mission is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 7A in the Yukon/Kuskokwim Region. Emergency
Services have river, floatplane and air access. Emergency service is provided by a local health aide.
ORGANIZATIONS WITH LOCAL OFFICES City of Russian Mission P.O. Box 49 Russian Mission, AK 99657 Phone 907-584-5111 Fax 907-584-5476
Russian Mission Native Corporation P.O. Box 48 Russian Mission, AK 99657 Phone 907-584-5885 Fax 907-584-5311
Russian Mission Traditional Council P.O. Box 9 Russian Mission, AK 99657 Phone 907-584-5511 Fax 907-584-5593
Native Housing Authority - Russian Mission Traditional Council P.O. Box 9 Russian Mission, AK 99657 Phone 907-584-5511 Fax 907-584-5593
REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Regional Native Corporation - Calista Corporation 301 Calista Court, Suite A Anchorage, AK 99518-3028 Phone 907-279-5516 Fax 907-272-5060
Regional Native Health Corporation - Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. P.O. Box 528 Bethel, AK 99559 Phone 907-543-6020 Fax 907-543-6006 |
