About Us

New Stuyahok is located on the Nushagak River, about 12 miles upriver from Ekwok and 52 miles northeast of Dillingham. The village has been constructed at two elevations -- one 25 feet above river level, and one about 40 feet above river level. The community lies at approximately 59.452780° North Latitude and -157.31194° (West) Longitude. (Sec. 29, T008S, R047W, Seward Meridian.) New Stuyahok is located in the Bristol Bay Recording District. The area encompasses 32.6 sq. miles of land and 2.0 sq. miles of water. New Stuyahok is located in a climatic transition zone. The primary influence is maritime, although a continental climate affects the weather. Average summer temperatures range from 37 to 66; winter temperatures average 4 to 30. Annual precipitation ranges from 20 to 35 inches. Fog and low clouds are common during the summer; strong winds often preclude access during the winter. The River is ice-free from June through mid-November.

History, Culture and Demographics

The present location is the third site that villagers can remember. The village moved downriver to the Mulchatna area from the "Old Village" in 1918. During the 1920s and 30s, the village was engaged in herding reindeer for the U.S. government. However, by 1942 the herd had dwindled to nothing; the village had been subjected to flooding; and the site was too far inland even to receive barge service. So in 1942, the village moved downriver again to its present location. Stuyahok appropriately means "going downriver place." The first school was built in 1961. A post office was also established during that year. An airstrip was built soon thereafter, and the 1960s saw a 40% increase in the village population. The City was incorporated in 1972.