Unalaska
United Methodist Church
...serving Unalaska and the greater Aleutian community in the name of Christ
Community Culture and History
The culture, the natural resource economy
(commercial fishing), geographic location and weather shape this
community. The Aleuts, or Unangan people, have long been assimilated
into the modern culture and society. Russians first introduced the
Unangans
to an "outside" religion in the 1760’s in the form of the
Russian Orthodox Church. Methodist came after the United States
purchased Alaska in the 1860’s. This was the first Methodist mission in
Alaska.
The International Port of Dutch Harbor, located in the community of Unalaska, is an industrialized fishing port. There are employment opportunities that induce people from across the globe to find their way here. Long hours and weeks without a day-off are common. This is a workaholic community.
Unalaska is remote, a bush community, as
defined by Alaskans. It is virtually isolated from the rest of the
world, 800 flight miles from Anchorage. Unalaska is farther west than
Hawaii, and closer to Russia than the continental United States. There
is travel to the outside by air (2 to 3 hours), and by water (three
days). Air travel is very expensive, $900 (+/-) to Anchorage via Alaska
Airlines, the only mainland air destination from Unalaska. Ferry travel
is less expensive, but it comes to Unalaska only twice each month, and
not at all in the winter, which is the longest season. Air travel is
unpredictable. We are told to plan travel with a one-day cushion,
especially if we must meet a predetermined schedule.
Weather … fog and
low hanging clouds and ferocious winds often prevent access to landing
and departure.
Travel on the island is limited. There are few paved roads on the island; the longest is about 3 1/2 miles in length. Most of the streets in the village are dirt/gravel, but generally in good condition. There are some one track, four-wheel drive roads on the island; the longest loop is 13 miles. Others are out and back roads of the same quality, and most of these roads outside the village are closed in the winter.
Generally people do not live here long term. The nucleus of our membership has resided here more than 8 years, an exception. But, that is a small group. The majority of people who come to this island are here for the summer, or a fishing season of 6 to 12 months. They work in the fish processing plants 7 days a week, 12 hours per day, for minimum wages. Most of these people live in dormitories furnished by the processors. Many of our members work in the service sector of the community, as teachers, policemen, machinist, long-shoremen and other community and marine fisheries related jobs.
The island has a clinic with several doctors and extensive lab abilities. There are also several chiropractors, and a dentist. Additional doctors and other medical specialists visit on predetermined schedules. Veterinarians also visit occasionally.
Some helpful web links:
-
National Weather Service
Last Update: Nov. 13, 2007
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