Kivalina is a small city located on the northwest coast of Alaska, United States. It is situated on a barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, about 83 miles northwest of Kotzebue. The city is part of the Northwest Arctic Borough and has a population of approximately 400 people.
Kivalina is primarily inhabited by the Iñupiaq people and has a rich indigenous history. The community relies on subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering for their livelihood. Traditional activities such as whaling, seal hunting, and berry picking are important aspects of the local culture and economy.
The city faces significant challenges due to its vulnerable location. Erosion and rising sea levels have caused severe damage to the island, threatening the viability of the community. As a result, the residents have been working towards relocation to a safer area, but the process has been slow and complicated.
Kivalina experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The city is accessible only by air or sea, with no road connections to the rest of Alaska or the United States. Kivalina is a close-knit community with a strong sense of cultural identity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.