Culture and Community

Big Fish in the Sea

Dillingham, Alaska, traditionally known as Curyung (Chug-ee-yung), is a vibrant and close-knit community nestled in Bristol Bay Alaska, approximately 350 airline miles west of Anchorage. This remote community is uniquely accessible only by air or water, adding to its isolated charm and beauty. Dillingham is home to a community deeply rooted in traditional values and a subsistence way of life. The Yup'ik, Athabascan, and Unangan cultures have flourished in this region for thousands of years, shaping the traditions, art, and values that define our community today. 

Dillingham is home to around 4,200 residents year-round, but this number swells to nearly 10,000 during the summer months when the commercial fishing season kicks into high gear. This seasonal influx brings with it a dynamic energy and liveliness that is characteristic of Dillingham.

Dillingham takes great pride in its cultural heritage, values, traditions, and subsistence lifestyle which are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. Throughout the year, residents come together to celebrate and honor their heritage through numerous community gatherings and cultural events. Families subsist in many ways such as:

• Ice Fishing 

• Wood Hauling 

• Berry Picking 

• Sport and subsistence fishing

• Trapping (beaver, otter, fox, lynx, martin, wolverine, etc) 

• Hunting (birds, moose, caribou) 

• Plant harvesting (fireweed, wormwood, chaga, labrador tea, yarrow, etc)  

Click the link to learn more about Harvesting Regulations in the State of Alaska. You can also speak with locals and our elders to find out more about traditional ways of harvesting. 

The youth have gathered to start their own native dance group called Curyugmuit Terikaniat Yurartet (Dillingham Wolverine Dancers). This group practices as they are able throughout the school year, performs when invited to and enjoys sharing the dances they have been taught by many generous friends throughout Alaska. 

At the heart of the community is the Curyung Tribal Council, which plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the community. Alongside various community partners, the Tribal Council and its Wellness Committee organizes a wide range of cultural events, including men's gatherings and talking circles, which are open to all members of the Dillingham community. These events serve as important platforms for fostering connections, sharing stories, and strengthening community bonds.

For newcomers, particularly those in teaching roles, these gatherings and events offer invaluable opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture, get to know the community members better, and build meaningful connections. Embracing these cultural experiences not only enriches one's personal life but also equips educators with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the students and families they serve, ultimately enhancing their ability to support and empower them academically and emotionally.

Below are links that share more about Dillingham and the Bristol Bay region: 

• About Bristol Bay — United Tribes of Bristol Bay (utbb.org)

• Togiak National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

• Community Interest | Dillingham, AK (dillinghamak.us) 

• Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation

  • BBAHC Facebook

• Bristol Bay Native Association

  • BBNA Facebook

• Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation

  • BBEDC Facebook

• Bristol Bay Teaching and Learning Collaborative

• Bristol Bay Native Corporation 

• Choiggung Limited

• Bristol Bay Region Career and Technical Education Program

Dillingham is more than a location; it’s a living legacy. Here, we cherish our past, live with purpose, and look to the future with hope. We invite you to explore our world, where tradition and nature intertwine to create a life of meaning and community.

Come visit us and experience the essence of Dillingham, where every breath is a reminder of the values that define us and every moment is an opportunity to live in harmony with the world around us.

Please review the Dillingham Living guide to familiarize yourself with some details about Dillingham prior to your relocation. The information in this guide will help you figure out what will work best for you if you are in fact moving to our community.