Nestled on the western bank of the mighty Yukon River in the heart of Interior Alaska, lies Anvik Village, a community steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Deg Hit’an Athabascan people. Its location, just inside the old mouth of the Anvik River, offers a picturesque setting against the backdrop of a prominent hillside. This hillside, known locally as Deloy Ges, meaning "so-called mountain" in the Deg Xinag language, holds a place of reverence in the community’s origin stories.
The Land and its People
The very landscape surrounding Anvik Village is imbued with cultural significance. Deloy Ges, or Hawk Bluff as it’s known in English, isn’t merely a geographical feature; it’s a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition. According to Deg Xinag lore, the creation of Deloy Ges is attributed to Raven, a central figure in their mythology. Raven, referred to as Yuxgitsiy, a name that translates to "everyone’s grandfather," is said to have sculpted the mountain from sand. The story recounts how Raven, attempting to build a mountain, grew frustrated with the sliding sand and whipped it with his cane, thus creating the distinctive gulches that mark the hillside to this day. This narrative highlights the deep connection between the Deg Hit’an people and their environment, where every hill, river, and valley holds a story.
The Deg Hit’an people, whose ancestral lands encompass this region, are part of the larger Athabascan linguistic group, a diverse collection of indigenous communities spread across Interior Alaska and parts of Canada. Their traditional way of life has been intimately tied to the Yukon River, relying on its resources for sustenance, transportation, and cultural practices. Fishing, hunting, and trapping have long been essential activities, providing food, clothing, and materials for crafting tools and shelter. The cyclical rhythms of the seasons dictate the flow of life in Anvik Village, with each period bringing its own set of tasks and opportunities.
A History of Transformation
The history of Anvik Village is a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and transformation. While the oral traditions of the Deg Hit’an people stretch back countless generations, the written record reveals a more recent history marked by encounters with the outside world. Over the years, Anvik Village has been known by a variety of names, including American Station, Anvic, Anvick, Anvig, Anvig Station, and Anwig, reflecting the evolving perceptions and interactions of outsiders.
Originally, the village was situated across the Yukon River, northeast of its present location, at a place referred to as "the point." This location served as a seasonal gathering place, with families moving up into the hills each year during the spring breakup, when the ice on the river thaws and breaks apart.
The modern configuration of Anvik Village began to take shape in 1887, with the establishment of an Episcopal mission, school, and church. This marked a significant turning point, as residents gradually relocated to be closer to these new institutions. A post office followed in 1897, further solidifying the village’s role as a center for communication and commerce.
The early 20th century brought both challenges and changes to Anvik Village. Two devastating influenza epidemics, in 1918 and 1927, swept through the community, leaving behind a tragic legacy of orphans. The mission played a crucial role in caring for these children, with some coming from as far away as Fort Yukon.
The arrival of regular mail service in the mid-1930s, via airplanes equipped with skis and floats, further connected Anvik Village to the outside world. Prior to the construction of the present airstrip in the mid-1960s, aircraft landed on nearby sandbars, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of the community in the face of geographical constraints.
A Modern Community Rooted in Tradition
Today, Anvik Village stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural continuity of the Deg Hit’an people. While embracing modern amenities and technologies, the community remains deeply connected to its traditions and ancestral lands.
One notable aspect of Anvik Village is its role as the first checkpoint on the Yukon River for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, when the race follows its southern route every other year. The arrival of the first team is a cause for celebration, marked by the ringing of the church bell, a symbolic gesture that blends tradition and contemporary sporting culture.
However, like many rural Alaskan communities, Anvik Village faces economic and social challenges. According to the 2000 census, the population was 104, with 39 households and 23 families. The median household income was $21,250, and the median family income was $18,125. A significant percentage of families and individuals lived below the poverty line. More recent data from 2012 indicates a further decline in population to 88 residents, with a median household income of $14,391, highlighting the ongoing economic hardships faced by the community.
Despite these challenges, the people of Anvik Village remain committed to preserving their cultural heritage and building a sustainable future. The Anvik Tribal Council serves as the governing body, working to address the needs of the community and advocate for its interests. The village is also a member of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, a regional organization that provides support and services to tribal communities throughout Interior Alaska.
Cultural Connections and Identity
The Deg Hit’an people of Anvik Village share a cultural identity with two other Deg Hit’an villages in Alaska: Shageluk Native Village, located along the Innoko River, and Holy Cross Native Village, situated on the lower Yukon River. These communities share a common language, traditions, and ancestral heritage.
It is important to note that the Deg Hit’an people were once referred to by the name "Ingalik," derived from the Yup’ik word "Ingqiliq," meaning "Indian." However, this term and its derivatives are now considered offensive by the Deg Hit’an people, reflecting the complex history of linguistic and cultural appropriation faced by indigenous communities.
Anvik Village stands as a beacon of cultural resilience, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the aspirations of the present. It is a community where the stories of Raven and Deloy Ges are still told, where the traditions of fishing and hunting continue to sustain families, and where the spirit of the Deg Hit’an people endures.