Nunivak Island

Nunivak Island is a large Bering Sea island off the western coast of Alaska, notable for its remote Arctic environment and Yup’ik cultural heritage. The island is sparsely populated and known for its wildlife, particularly introduced muskoxen.

Visitors to Nunivak encounter a single primary village, traditional Yup’ik cultural practices, archaeological sites and large, open tundra landscapes. The island is also used for subsistence activities by local residents and has sites of biological and cultural interest rather than developed tourist amenities.

The island has long been inhabited by Central Alaskan Yup’ik people; in the 20th century muskoxen were introduced to establish a breeding population and the island has been the subject of biological studies. Local traditions and material culture remain important elements of community life.

Nunivak lies in the Bering Sea off Alaska’s western coast; the main settlement is Mekoryuk on the island, and access is by small plane or seasonal boat from the mainland.

• Size and population: The island covers roughly 1,631 square kilometres and supports a very small, predominantly Yup'ik population concentrated in one main village.
• Access: Access is by small aircraft or seasonal boat; visitor facilities are minimal and travel requires planning and coordination with local authorities or tour operators.

What to See #

• Mekoryuk: Small village that serves as the island's administrative centre and primary settlement, with local services and access to the island's airstrip and boat landings.
• Muskox population: Extensive populations of introduced muskox that form a distinctive feature of the island's wildlife and attract biological interest and limited eco-tourism.