The History of Nuiqsut

Nuiqsut is located on the west bank of the Nechelik Channel of the Colville River Delta, about 35 miles from the Beaufort Sea coast. It lies at approximately 70° 11' N Latitude, 151° 00' W Longitude (Sec. 18, T010N, R005E, Umiat Meridian). The community is located in the Barrow Recording District. The area encompasses 8 sq. miles of land and 0 sq. miles of water.

The Colville Delta has traditionally been a gathering and trading place for the Inupiat and has always offered good hunting and fishing. Nuiqsut was one of three abandoned Inupiat villages identified in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and was resettled in 1973 by 27 families from Barrow. Housing and facilities were constructed by federal agencies in the summer of 1973 and 1974. Goods were hauled from Barrow by tractor.

To Community Histories Index Alaska DCCED Community Database Online

History and map graphic used with permission from the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development