NATCHIRSVIK/IĠAłUIK

Natchirsvik/Iġałuik

White Mountain

The village community of Natchirsvik is located on the west bank of the Fish River, near the head of Golovin Lagoon, on the Seward Peninsula. The name comes from the look-out mountain now known as White Mountain Hill. It was assigned the name White Mountain as colonial influence settled into and around the community. Due to the mandates of the government for schools and the missionary presence of churches, traditions and cultural practices were interrupted. However, many traditions survived and continued to be passed down through generations. The language as well still survives, the Fish River dialect of the Inupiaq language. 

The beautiful village is dotted with spruce trees and is located on White Mountain hill along the bank of the Fish River. It is one of the few villages in the Bering Strait region that is located inland. The community has electric, water and sewer services.

According to the census, there are approximately 198 community members living in Natchirsvik. Most of the residents live and rely on a subsistence lifestyle. Throughout the year and changing seasons, activities revolve around the animals, land and waters. In May after the ice is gone, comes the busiest harvesting season that begins with gathering and preserving greens, roots, and wild bird eggs. Spring brings ducks and geese for harvest as well. During the month of July individuals go to their camps to seine and cut salmon, preferably the pink salmon that will be dried and preserved for the winter. Late July people fish for the Coho salmon when they come in, and they are made into smoke fish or canned fish. Mid-July to late September is berry picking season – starting with salmonberries, then blueberries and raspberries, followed by black and cranberries. Mid to late July is gathering of the plant that we make achakluq and sour docks.  Seal hunting for ugruk (bearded seal) and muklachuaq (young ugruk) begins in September until the river starts freezing. Late September or early October marks the time to sein for white fish. After the river freeze people ice fish in front of the village for trout, grayling or white fish. Additionally, some households utilize dead spruce trees to heat their home and some sell wood to make a living.

Community Events

Natchirsvik is a close knit community, that enjoys coming together for community events.

The community holds the annual Robert “Putto” Charles memorial Valentines tournament mid-February for city league teams. 

There is an Easter egg hunts on Easter.

Members gather for the annual White Mountain Native Corporation in May. 

The community joins together with the tribe’s IGAP program to do annual spring cleaning in June, and river clean up in odd years. 

4^th of July activities and picnics are enjoyed in celebration. 

Families attend community potlucks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Along with three days of wellness activities that families and friends participate in after Christmas. There are various games and door prizes to enjoy each evening.

The Dorcas Party is for 9^th grade on up which is usually held the last Thursday in December. There are various relay games. A man and woman can exchange gifts at that time and ends with coffee and desserts.

The school has various sports throughout the school year beginning with running from July until regionals in September. Followed by wrestling and cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, skiing and Native Youth Olympics. The youth who love to participate in sports.

Local Enterprises and Organizations

Local enterprises, organizations include the Native Village of White Mountain, City of White Mountain, White Mountain Native Corporation, AEC, White Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Fish River Services, White Mountain Covenant Church, WMO Post Office, White Mountain Native Store, White Mountain Utilities, Kipqaq Cache, and White Mountain Schools.