Naukati, Alaska
Unincorporated
Population: 135
Naukati West, Inc.: 907-629-4104
Naukati is a coastal community on the northwest end of Prince of Wales Island. The word Naukati is believed to be a Tlingit word. Naukati can be a destination or a rest stop for motorists going north or boaters going west. It is a remote, quiet stop for gas and a place to mail pictures and postcards to family and friends. The Sarkar Lake Canoe Loop is popular local attraction and Sarkar River is a scenic roadside fishing project.
The boat ramp provides access to Tuxecan Narrows and Sea Otter Sound. The ramp and many other facilities in Nakati are in the constant process of being improved. The local store is available on VHF Channel 16 for boaters needing supplies or other assistance.
Naukati residents consider themselves free-spirited Alaskans creating their own destiny. Most residents bought their land from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) at a state land auction. The populations of both West and east community are growing with close to 200 part-time and full-time residents. The Homeowner Association directs the spending of State-sponsored community development funds.
Our village has no traffic lights or even single stop sign. The road conditions assure that all traffic is slow. Much of the local employment is in the building trades and local sawmills, with some residents commuting to Thorne Bay and other cities on the Island. Others work on the growing aquaculture projects.
Every year Naukati celebrates a special event, affectionately called the Skunk Cabbage Festival, over the 4th of July weekends. The largest skunk cabbage leaf wins a cash prize. The festival also features a parade and potluck picnic. Fireworks and dancing follow the picnic at the Community Beachside Park.
Written by Larry Wilkinson
