Kiatagmuit Eskimos originally lived on the north bank of the Kvichak River in the village of Kaskanak, and used Igiugig as a summer fish camp. At the turn of the century, these people moved upriver to the present site of Igiugig.
The name Igiugig, originated from a Yupik word igyaraq, meaning “like a throat that swallows water”. It is derived from the fact that we are located at the mouth of the Kvichak River (on the south bank) at its outlet from Lake Iliamna; the river “swallows” the lake. The population is 64 people primarily Yupik Eskimos, Aleuts, and Athabascans.
Residents can trace their roots to the surrounding villages of Branch, Newhalen, Kaskanak Flats,Big Mountain, and Kukaklek Lake. Our people originally lived 7 miles downstream and used Igiugig as a fishcamp, but at the turn of the century they permanently settled here. Several residents are descendants of reindeer herders. There were Laplander reindeer stations located near Igiugig around 1905.
The Lake Iliamna drainage is known for its trophy rainbow trout and the Kvichak River boasts the largest sockeye salmon run in the world. The Mulchatna Caribou herd of 40,000 plus caribou passes seasonally near our village. Most residents travel around town or to other villages like Kokhanok, Levelock, Newhalen, and Iliamna by boat, ATVs, and snowmachines.
The Igiugig Tribal Council publishes a monthly newsletter called Igiugig News and Notes. Igiugig is a member of the Lake and Peninsula Borough and School District. Enjoy viewing our pictorial display in the airport hangar building to learn more about the culture, values, and people of Igiugig.
