Village Profiles: Aniak and Anvik

Aniak's ancient history is wrapped up mystery. When the first Russian explorers first got a peek of the area, the original inhabitants had already abandoned it. The Russians found some gold which ended up bringing in prospectors hoping for quick riches as Alaska became more and more American. Today, Aniak is home for over 500 people and still remains a mostly native community. The airport is surprisingly nice and I'm not sure why. Anvik was first noticed in written records by a mixed race Russian/Native man setting out to find new routes and trading opportunities for the Russian Fur Company. He reported 100 people living at Anvik in 1834. Anvik was home to a missionary who left us a detailed record of his stay starting in 1888. John Wight Chapman lived there for over 40 years learning the language, teaching reading and writing, translating prayer books, laboring to record oral histories of the native people to preserve their culture, and helping many with medical care through the terrible flu epidemic of 1918-19. The story of these two villages just scratch the surface of a rich history in this region. Contact the show at [email protected] TYSA Logo was created by Evan Van Kirk Music was created by Isaac Bedingfield