Native Villages & Communities

Four Kodiak Island villages are surrounded by refuge lands – Karluk, Larsen Bay, Akhiok and Old Harbor.

Karluk is located on the west coast of Kodiak Island. Karluk was renowned for having the largest salmon cannery in the world and the river was known as the greatest red salmon stream in the world. Overharvesting forced the canneries to close in the 1930’s. The current river population is about 33.

Larsen Bay is located near the mouth of Larsen Bay on the west shore of Uyak bay on the southwest coast of Kodiak Island. The Native name for the town is Uyak. The area is thought to have been inhabited for 2,000 years by the Alutiiq people. The current population is about 80.

Akhiok is located at the south end of the island at Akhiok Bay. The community was originally a sea otter hunting settlement. With the decline of the sea otter industry the village has become oriented primarily toward fishing. The current population is about 73.

Old Harbor is thought to have been inhabited for nearly 2000 years. It is located on the southern coast of Kodiak Island. Many of the residents are commercial fishermen. The current population is about 250.

Port Lions is the second largest village on Kodiak Island. It currently has a population of 229 and is located approximately 10 minute’s flight time from the city of Kodiak. Port Lions was first inhabited when the old village of Afognak was destroyed in the 1964 earthquake and tidal wave. The funds for rebuilding came from the Lions Club, inspiring the name of the community..

Ouzinkie is the third largest village in the area, with a population of 189. This village is located on Spruce Island, north of the city of Kodiak. Spruce Island is a 10 minute’s flight from Kodiak, although most villagers travel by boat. The closest point of land from Kodiak to Spruce Island is ¼ mile. The first people to inhabit Spruce Island arrived in the 1800’s with the Russian American Company. Spruce Island was home to St. Herman, the first Russian Orthodox saint. The chapel is located at Monks Lagoon. Every year there is a pilgrimage to the island.

Two small airlines service these villages on a daily basis. Island Air, is located in the city of Kodiak at the municipal airport and Paklook, which is located out at the state airport.

Last updated: July 21, 2008