South Western Alaska's Villages

I have been traveling to some of the villages for work. By winter I will have gone to seven different villages. There are 56 villages in our area, most of them have about 500 people in them. I feel really fortunate to be able to visit these places and I have been lugging my camera along with me when I go. There is very little information or pictures of these places on the Internet so I am hoping to capture at least a few images and a little information to share with everyone. You may notice that my pictures generally lack people and that is intentional. Everyone in the villages have been extremely welcoming and friendly when I visit. Here are some pictures from Tununak. The place is gorgeous and is on Nelson Island, same as Toksook. I only saw this village from the inside of an airplane, but if I ever get the chance I would like to explore it more.

Toksook Bay

I was fortunate enough to get to go to Tooksok Bay for work. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The village is on Nelson Island on the Western coast of Alaska. The population is about 700. They have piped water and sewer which is uncommon around here. Even in Bethel most people have to have water delivered and sewer, umm well, trucked out. I was told by the Village Police Officers that Toksook is one of the youngest villages. It was established in the 60's, although there were older villages nearby. There are ruins, however, I was told that the local people do not visit them much. It was an amazing treat to get to eat my lunch next to the Bering Sea. It felt very comfortable, it kind of reminded me of places I have been, or places I have dreamt of visiting. It looked like pictures I have seen of Ireland. However, Tununak, which was across the island, looked even more like Ireland, and for those pictures you will have to wait until my next entry.

Preview to my trip to Tooksok Bay