Our Yupik Neighbors of Goodnews Bay, Alaska

	Located in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge on Alaska’s western slope - halfway between the Aleutian Islands and Nome - the Goodnews River provides the only livelihood for area residents and their only "highway."	Large bomber-style planes ship propane to Goodnews Village.

Goodnews River Lodge operates near a Native American Reservation. The proud Yupik People were here long before we came and will still call the Goodnews River home long after we have left. All employees and guests are expected to treat the land, river and people with respect.

The Proud Yupik Tribe

As the largest tribe in Alaska, the Yupik people's influence can be felt in many aspects of the Alaskan culture. Living in small villages along the Bering Sea, these individuals maintain strong connections to their past, evident in the fact that many still speak the native language (although many dialects exist between villages). Like their ancestors Yupiks today still utilize the resources of their environment, with fishing, hunting, and exquisite craft-work being primary means of subsistence.
This beautiful grass-woven basket was made by Mollie Chingliak!

Strong Connections with Heritage

Salmon fishermen net all five species of salmon, but focus their efforts on Sockeye Salmon since it demands a higher price on the market. Local hunters harvest walrus, moose, whale, and caribou to help supply the village with meat and fur products. The weavers of each village pass down secrets of the trade from one generation to the next. In fact, Yupik grass-woven baskets are considered among the finest in the world, having intricate patterns and extremely tight/consistent weave.

Changing Times

You will see no roads leading into Goodnews Village as you step off the charter plane. Yupiks' commute from village to village by plane, using boats for any local travel. In fact, most villages are hundreds of miles away from the nearest asphalt.
A new car being shipped into Goodnews Village.

With the advent of internet technologies and satellite telephone systems, though, the people of Goodnews Village have much more contact with those outside their community. This influx of technology has altered the lifestyle of some of the villagers, who now work for schools, stores, government, or commercial fishing companies.

Our Shared Resources

We are fortunate at the Goodnews River Lodge to have two employees from the village, Molly Chingliak and Elsie Ross. Molly's persistent smiles and constant good-cheer help to promote a warm sense of camaraderie in the camp. Elsie's quick wit generates laughs from those sharp enough to catch it, while her diligent work ethic serves as an excellent example for the rest of the crew. Molly and Elsie, sisters from Goodnews Village.
Elsie (left) and Molly (right), sisters from Goodnews Village.

As you will see, the Goodnews River Lodge community is closely tied to the Yupik people of Goodnews Village. We constantly strive to maintain a minimal impact on the surrounding environment; both their livelihood and our success depend on it. There is more than epic fishing and great comrade at GRL. An almost magical aura permeates the landscape, singing to the soul more invitingly than any siren of ages past. It is this attraction that motivates both the Yupik people and the staff of GRL to protect vigilantly this last frontier.

Knowledge is Power

One of our favorite visitors!

To further protect the land and its people, an educational fund has been established to directly benefit the children of Goodnews Village. This non-profit corporation was established in 1998 and continues to grow each year. Feel good in the fact that some of your Adventure Price dollars go directly into this fund! Help empower the children of Goodnews by providing needed funds for a solid education!

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The Proud Yupik Tribe
As the largest tribe in Alaska, the Yupik people's influence can be felt in many aspects of the Alaskan culture. Living in small villages along the Bering Sea, these individuals maintain strong connections to their past, evident in the fact that many still speak the native language (although many dialects exist between villages). Like their ancestors Yupiks today still utilize the resources of their environment, with fishing, hunting, and exquisite craft-work being primary means of subsistence.	This beautiful grass-woven basket was made by Mollie Chingliak!

Strong Connections with Heritage
Salmon fishermen net all five species of salmon, but focus their efforts on Sockeye Salmon since it demands a higher price on the market. Local hunters harvest walrus, moose, whale, and caribou to help supply the village with meat and fur products. The weavers of each village pass down secrets of the trade from one generation to the next. In fact, Yupik grass-woven baskets are considered among the finest in the world, having intricate patterns and extremely tight/consistent weave.

Changing Times
You will see no roads leading into Goodnews Village as you step off the charter plane. Yupiks' commute from village to village by plane, using boats for any local travel. In fact, most villages are hundreds of miles away from the nearest asphalt.	A new car being shipped into Goodnews Village.

With the advent of internet technologies and satellite telephone systems, though, the people of Goodnews Village have much more contact with those outside their community. This influx of technology has altered the lifestyle of some of the villagers, who now work for schools, stores, government, or commercial fishing companies.

Our Shared Resources
We are fortunate at the Goodnews River Lodge to have two employees from the village, Molly Chingliak and Elsie Ross. Molly's persistent smiles and constant good-cheer help to promote a warm sense of camaraderie in the camp. Elsie's quick wit generates laughs from those sharp enough to catch it, while her diligent work ethic serves as an excellent example for the rest of the crew.	Elsie (left) and Molly (right), sisters from Goodnews Village.

As you will see, the Goodnews River Lodge community is closely tied to the Yupik people of Goodnews Village. We constantly strive to maintain a minimal impact on the surrounding environment; both their livelihood and our success depend on it. There is more than epic fishing and great comrade at GRL. An almost magical aura permeates the landscape, singing to the soul more invitingly than any siren of ages past. It is this attraction that motivates both the Yupik people and the staff of GRL to protect vigilantly this last frontier.

Knowledge is Power	One of our favorite visitors!
To further protect the land and its people, an educational fund has been established to directly benefit the children of Goodnews Village. This non-profit corporation was established in 1998 and continues to grow each year. Feel good in the fact that some of your Adventure Price dollars go directly into this fund! Help empower the children of Goodnews by providing needed funds for a solid education!	One of our favorite visitors!