The
Native village of Tatitlek is located on the northeast shore of
Tatitlek Narrows, on the Alaska Mainland in Prince William Sound.
It lies 30 miles east of Valdez by sea near Bligh Island, and 30
air miles northwest of Cordova and has a population of around 105.
Tatitlek
sits among spruce and hemlock tress along the northeast shore of
Tatitlek Narrows. The blue dome of the Russian Orthodix church graces
the horizon near the waterfront. This Alutiiq village (meaning windy
place) was first reported in the 1880 U.S. Census as "Tatikhlek,"
with a population of 73. The present spelling was published in 1910
by the U.S. Geological Survey, who wrote that the village originally
stood at the head of Gladhaugh Bay, but was moved to its present
site. A post office was established in 1946.
A coastal
village with a traditional fishing- and subsistence-based culture,
Tatitlek offers fish processing and oyster farming as a means of
employment for some residents. Three residents hold commercial fishing
permits. Subsistence activities provide the majority of food items.
A coho salmon hatchery at Boulder Bay is nearing completion for
subsistence use. A fish and game processing facility is under construction.
A small community store has recently been opened.
Tatitlek
has a State-owned 3,700' lighted gravel airstrip and a seaplane
landing area, air charters are available from Valdez and Cordova.
Boats are the primary means of local transportation. A breakwater
and small boat harbor are under construction by the Corps of Engineers.
|