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Chistochina
(chis-toe-CHEE-nuh)
Current Population:
Incorporation Type: Unincorporated
Borough Located In: Unorganized
Taxes: No taxing authority

Location and Climate

    Chistochina is located at mile 32.7 on the Tok Cutoff to the Glenn Highway, 42 miles northeast of Glennallen. Sinona Creek, Bolder Creek, Chistochina River and Copper River surround the village. It lies at approximately 62.565000° North Latitude and -144.664720° West Longitude.  (Sec. 16, T009N, R004E, Copper River Meridian.)   Chistochina is located in the Chitina Recording District. The climate in Chistochina is continental, characterized by long, cold winters and relatively warm summers. Total annual precipitation averages 13 inches, with annual snowfall averaging 61 inches. Temperature extremes from a low of -62 to a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded.
    Topographic
    map of
    Chistochina
    area

History, Culture and Demographics 
    Chistochina began as an Ahtna fish camp and a stopover place for traders and trappers. The village access road later became part of the Valdez-Eagle Trail, constructed by miners during the gold rush to the Eagle area in 1897. Chistochina Lodge was built as a roadhouse for prospectors. The Trail was used for construction of U.S. Army Signal Corps telegraph lines from Valdez to Eagle between 1901 and 1904. Gold was mined along the upper Chistochina River and its runoff creeks. The area was settled by homesteaders, although it has remained a traditional Native village.

    A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Cheesh-Na Tribe. 63.4% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.  Chistochina is the most traditional of all Copper River Athabascan Indian villages. Subsistence activities are a crucial component of the lifestyle in the village.

    During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 59 total housing units, and 22 were vacant. 7 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 30 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 41.18%, although 63.86% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $24,107, per capita income was $12,362, and 28.57% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care 
    Almost half of residences have individual wells; the remainder haul treated water from the Community Center. Some residents use individual septic tanks, but the majority have outhouses or pit privies. About 40% of homes are completely plumbed. The local landfill is closed pending clean-up and relocation to a new site. Electricity is provided out of Tok.

    Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.

    There is one school located in the community, attended by 12 students.

    Local hospitals or health clinics include Chistochina Health Clinic (907-822-3280); Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen (907-822-3203).  The Sub-Regional Health Corp. provides community-based services, such as the Community Health Aide, who serves the elderly and home-bound clients, health education, and dog shot clinics. The CHA provides staffing at the clinic, contract health care, dental. Chistochina is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2E in the Copper River Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide.  Auxiliary health care is provided by Copper River EMS Council (907-822-3671); Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen.

Economy and Transportation 
    Subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering are the basis of the village's economy. Most cash employment is seasonal.

    Chistochina is accessible year-round by the Glenn and Richardson Highways via the Tok Cutoff. Small aircraft may land at a State-owned 2,060' long by 90' wide turf/gravel airstrip.

Organizations with Local Offices 
    Village Council - Cheesh-na Tribe
    P.O. Box 241
    Chistochina, AK 99586
    Phone 907-822-3503
    Fax 907-822-5179
    E-mail esinyon@tribalnet.org

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