According to iTypeTravel, Brevig Mission is a small Inupiat Eskimo village on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. It is located on the Bering Sea, approximately 44 miles northwest of Nome. Brevig Mission is situated at an elevation of approximately 42 feet and has a population of about 500 people.
The geography of Brevig Mission is characterized by its remote location, harsh climate, and extreme temperatures. The area experiences cold winters with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and warm summers with temperatures ranging from 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its location in the Arctic Circle, Brevig Mission experiences long periods of daylight during the summer months and long periods of darkness during the winter months.
The terrain around Brevig Mission is mostly flat tundra with small hills, wetlands, and lakes scattered throughout the area. The soil in this region is composed mostly of clay and silt which makes it difficult for plants to grow in this harsh environment. There are some trees that grow near rivers or streams but they are few and far between.
The local wildlife includes polar bears, caribou, foxes, wolves, moose, snowshoe hares, golden eagles, ptarmigans and many other species that inhabit this rugged landscape. The area also supports a large population of migratory birds such as snow geese and sandhill cranes which can be seen during their seasonal migrations through Brevig Mission each year.
Overall, Brevig Mission has a unique geography due to its remote location in Alaska’s Arctic Circle and its cold climate that provides a home for many species of wildlife as well as providing sustenance for its human inhabitants who have been living in this harsh environment for centuries.
History of Brevig Mission, Alaska
The history of Brevig Mission, Alaska dates back to the late 1800s when the area was inhabited by Inupiat Eskimos. The Inupiat people have lived in the area for centuries, subsisting off of the land and sea. They relied on hunting, fishing and gathering to survive in this harsh environment.
In 1898, a Presbyterian mission was established in Brevig Mission by Reverend J.H. Kilbourne and his wife, who arrived with a group of Yupik Eskimos from St. Lawrence Island in search of new homes and opportunities for trade. The mission was named after Reverend Kilbourne’s father-in-law, John Brevig, who had been killed by a polar bear while traveling on a whaling vessel near St. Lawrence Island two years prior.
In 1902, the first schoolhouse was built in Brevig Mission and it remains an important part of the community today. The school serves as a place for children to learn traditional skills such as hunting, fishing and gathering as well as providing educational opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and prepare them for higher education opportunities outside of Brevig Mission if they choose to pursue them.
Brevig Mission has experienced many changes over the years including modernization with new roads being built throughout the village which have allowed easier access to nearby towns like Nome or Kotzebue and improved communication with other parts of Alaska via mail or telephone services.
Today, Brevig Mission is still home to many Inupiat Eskimos who continue to rely on subsistence living off of the land and sea while also embracing modern technology that has allowed them access to goods and services that were not available before such as electricity or internet access which has helped their community stay connected with their culture and heritage while also keeping up with current events around the world.
Economy of Brevig Mission, Alaska
The economy of Brevig Mission, Alaska is primarily based on subsistence living. Residents rely on the land and sea for their livelihoods, utilizing traditional hunting, fishing and gathering techniques to survive. This type of subsistence living has been practiced in the area for centuries by Inupiat Eskimos who are the indigenous people of the region.
In addition to traditional subsistence activities, Brevig Mission also has a small commercial fishing industry with some residents owning boats and fishing for salmon in nearby waters. This provides additional income for those involved in the industry as well as providing much-needed protein sources for those who live off-the-grid in the village.
The village also receives funding from various organizations including The Alaska Native Fund, which provides money to support education and health services in rural Alaska communities like Brevig Mission; The State of Alaska which provides funds to help maintain roads and other community infrastructure; and The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which provides funds to help build or improve housing projects in rural areas like Brevig Mission.
Additionally, many residents receive income from employment opportunities outside of Brevig Mission either by travelling to nearby towns such as Nome or Kotzebue or through remote employment opportunities that allow them to work from home via computer or phone.
Finally, tourism is beginning to become an important part of the economy in Brevig Mission with visitors coming from all corners of the world looking to experience traditional Inupiat culture firsthand while also taking advantage of the natural beauty that can be found throughout this remote region of Alaska.
Politics in Brevig Mission, Alaska
The politics in Brevig Mission, Alaska are largely based on the traditional Inupiat culture of self-governance and consensus decision making. This means that decisions are made by the community as a whole rather than being dictated by a single leader or authority. This type of governance is based on the idea that all members of the community have an equal voice and must come to agreement before any decisions can be made.
The city government in Brevig Mission is led by a mayor who is elected every two years. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city, responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations, setting policies, and representing the interests of the community both locally and at state and federal levels.
In addition to the mayor, there are six city council members who serve four year terms. The council is responsible for setting budgets, approving ordinances and policies, and working with local organizations to ensure that all citizens have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, public safety, etc.
The village also has a tribal government which functions independently from the city government but still works closely with it to ensure that all citizens have access to essential services. The tribal government consists of a tribal council which is comprised of seven members elected by residents every two years who serve four year terms.
Additionally, Brevig Mission has an active citizenry who participate in local elections and attend town hall meetings to voice their opinions on important issues affecting their community such as healthcare access or economic development initiatives. By participating in their local politics, residents can help shape their collective future for generations to come.
