Alakanuk experiences a seasonal economy. 76 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Many have gill net permits, and set net fishermen sell their salmon to Seattle fish buyers. Poor fish returns since 1998 have significantly affected the community. Government employment and retail businesses provide limited year-round employment. Salmon, beluga whale, seal, moose and rabbit provide food sources. Some residents trap. Many residents travel to Emmonak to shop and attend social events and basketball tournaments. Emmonak is 20 - 30 minutes by boat.  There are two ways to get to Alakanuk : flying or by boat.

The young man is dip netting salmon and then his brother brought the fish to me as a gift.  It was a pink salmon or Humpy as called locally.

 Today our first group of volunteers arrive, ready to build.  Our group of Mennonite Disaster Service is planning to build two new houses and raise several in an effort to get above flood stage.