Bethel

Bethel was first established by Yup'ik Eskimos who called the village "Mumtrekhlogamute," meaning "Smokehouse People," named for the nearby fish smokehouse. There were 41 people in Bethel during the 1880 U.S. Census. At the time it was an Alaska Commercial Company Trading Post. The Moravian Church established a mission in the area in 1884. The community was moved to its present location due to erosion at the prior site. A post office was opened in 1905. Before long, Bethel was serving as a trading, transportation and distribution center for the region, which attracted Natives from surrounding villages. The City was incorporated in 1957. Over time, federal and state agencies established regional offices in Bethel.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Orutsararmuit Native Council. The population of the community consists of 68% Alaska Native or part Native. The region is fortunate in that rapid development did not occur before the importance of protecting the Native culture was realized. The traditional Yup'ik Eskimo practices and language remain predominant in the area. Subsistence activities and commercial fishing are major contributors to residents' livelihoods. The sale of alcohol is banned in the community, although importation or possession is allowed. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 1,990, and vacant housing units numbered 249. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 61. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 2,459 residents as employed. The unemployment rate was 8.95 percent, although 33.49 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $57,321, per capita income was $20,267, and 11.18 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.

Community Information

City Hall
P.O. Box 995
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-2047
Fax 907-543-4171

Lower Kuskokwim School District
P.O. Box 305
Bethel, AK 99559-0305
Phone 907-543-4810
Fax 907-543-4904

Yukon-Kuskokwim Native Corporation
P.O. Box 528
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-6000
Fax 907-543-6006

Orutsararmuit Native Council
P.O. Box 927
Bethel, AK 99559-0927
Phone 907-543-2608
Fax 907-543-2639

Calista Native Corporation
301 Calista Court, Suite A
Anchorage, AK 99518-3028
Phone 907-279-5516
Fax 907-272-5060

Association of Village Council Presidents, Inc.
101 A Main Street, Pouch 219
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-7300
Fax 907-543-3596

Business

Bethel Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 329
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-2911
Fax 907-543-2255

Lower Kuskokwim Economic Development Council
P.O. Box 2021
Bethel, AK 99559
Phone 907-543-5967
Fax 907-543-3130 

Recreation

Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 346
Bethel, Alaska 99559-0346
(907) 543-3151

The Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers dominate the landscape of Yukon Delta. The rivers form a treeless, wetland plain noted for wildlife variety and abundance. An intricate maze of lakes, ponds, and meandering streams provide nesting and feeding habitat for over 750,000 swans and geese, 2 million ducks, and 100 million shore and water birds. Moose, caribou, grizzly bear, black bear, and wolves inhabit the northern hills and eastern mountains.