Established: 1909
Population: 400 +/-

Location

Kiana sits on a bluff overlooking the point where three waterways come together, the Kobuk and Squirrel Rivers, and the Channel. Thirty miles above the Arctic Circle, Kiana is 57 air miles east of Kotzebue. Kiana is also a jumping off point for exploring the scenic Kobuk Valley National Park, famous for its sand dunes.

History

The original name for Kiana was Katyaak.  In Iñupiaq Katyaak means "fork of the river." This is still the name we use where the three rivers flow together here, the Squirrel River, the Channel, and the Kobuk River. The point across the river had always been called Qaiyaana.  In 1909 it became a supply center for the Squirrel River placer mines.  The Kiana post office was established in 1915.

Inez Black talks about the history of Kiana: click here.

Other Kiana Elders tell the village history: click here.

Culture

Most of Kiana’s nearly 400 residents are Iñupiat, living a subsistence lifestyle. Kiana is an ideal fishing and hunting spot.  In the fall migrating caribou pass close to the village.  Moose, bear, chum salmon, freshwater fish, waterfowl, berries and greens are also harvested.

Transportation

There are no roads linking Kiana to other parts of the region or the state. Main modes of transportation are planes, boats, ATV’s and snow machines.  Locally owned Lee’s Air Service is based in Kiana, and other Kotzebue-based flying services have daily flights in and out of Kiana.  The Kobuk River is navigable from late May to early October.

Facilities

Kiana has an elementary school and a high school, a village clinic, community hall, volunteer fire department, city council, city administrator, a post office, two trading posts and a small convenience store that rents videos.

State of Alaska Community Database Online