Location and Climate

Koliganek is located on the left bank of the Nushagak River, and lies 65 miles northeast of Dillingham. The community lies at approximately 59.728610° North Latitude and -157.28444° (West) Longitude.  (Sec. 21,T005S, R047W, Seward Meridian.)   Koliganek is located in the Bristo lBay Recording District.  The area encompasses 12.5 sq. miles of land and 0.1 sq. miles of water.  The area is 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 range from 4 to 30.

History, Culture and Demographics

It is an Eskimo village first listed in the 1880 Census as "Kalignak." The name is local, recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1930. Since that time, the village has moved four miles downstream from the original site. 

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Koliganek Village Council. The population of the community consists of 87.4% Alaska Native or part Native.  Koliganek is a Yup'ik Eskimo village with Russian Orthodox practices. Subsistence activities are an important part of the lifestyle. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 77, and vacant housing units numbered 24. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 2. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 66 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 13.16 percent, although 39.45 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $44,583, per capita income was $13,242, and 19.31 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

Koliganek has operated a piped system for over 25 years. Water is derived from a well and is treated. 33 homes and facilities are connected to the piped water and a community septic tank. Eight homes have individuals wells and septic systems. 15 homes haul water and honey buckets. Koliganek purchases power from the school district, and also owns its own generator. Electricity is provided by Koliganek Village Council. There is one school located in the community,  attended by 79 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Koliganek Clinic (596-3431). Koliganek is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2I in the Bristol Bay Region. Emergency Services have river and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide  Auxiliary health care is provided by Koliganek First Responders (596-3434/3490); State VPSO (596-3418).

Economy and Transportation

The school and village organization provide most year-round employment.18 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Many residents trap, and subsistence activities are an important part of the economy.

A new State-owned 3,000' long by 75' wide runway is available. Boats and ATVs are used in the summer; snow machines in the winter. Locals travel to New Stuyahok frequently. There are no docking facilities;goods are lightered from Dillingham.

Information taken from State of Alaska Online Community Database