Nushagak

Nushagak is a small census‑designated place located in the Dillingham Census Area of southwestern Alaska. It lies on the west side of the Nushagak River and is approximately 18 miles (29 km) downstream from the river’s mouth at Nushagak Bay. The community is accessible primarily by air and by water; the Nushagak Airport provides scheduled flights to and from Dillingham, while seasonal boat service connects the village to other coastal settlements during the navigable months.

The population of Nushagak has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with the 2020 United States Census reporting 67 residents. The demographic composition is largely native Alaskan Athabaskan and Yup'ik. Many inhabitants remain engaged in subsistence activities such as fishing, hunting and gathering, which are integral to their cultural and economic practices. The local economy also benefits from public sector employment, including services provided by the Nushagak School District and various state agencies.

Historically, the Nushagak River area has been a hub for maritime trade and fishing since pre‑colonial times. The river served as a critical conduit for native peoples engaging in furs, sea‑based travel, and later, commercial fisheries. In the early 20th century, the establishment of the American Thresher Company’s fish canning operations in nearby Dillingham reinforced the importance of the region’s salmon runs.

Presently, Nushagak confronts typical challenges of remote Alaskan communities, such as limited infrastructure, reliance on seasonal weather patterns for transportation, and the need to balance development with the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge. Nonetheless, the village remains a testament to the enduring connection between the Athabaskan and Yup'ik peoples and the coastal ecosystems of the Bering Sea.