Moving to Metlakatla, Alaska

Metlakatla is located in Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. It is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and has a population of about 1,400 people. The geography of Metlakatla is characterized by its coastal setting and peaceful surroundings. The city lies on a small island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and is surrounded by lush green forests which provide an abundance of wildlife. The climate in Metlakatla is mild and generally temperate with wet winters and cool summers.

The history of Metlakatla dates back to 1887 when Chief William Duncan led his Tsimshian tribe from Canada to settle in Alaska, as they were looking for a place where they could practice their own faith without interference or persecution from other religions. Since then, the city has become known for its rich culture and traditions, including traditional fishing practices which are still practiced today.

Politically, Metlakatla operates under an Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) government which provides self-governance for the community and allows them to make decisions about their own land management, education system, health care system, economic development efforts, and other local matters.

The economy of Metlakatla is largely based on fishing as well as logging operations that take advantage of the abundant natural resources surrounding this coastal town. In addition to these industries, tourism has also become an important part of the local economy as visitors come from around the world to experience this unique corner of Alaska.

Schools in Metlakatla include two elementary schools (K-4th grade), one middle school (5th-8th grade), one high school (9th-12th grade), and post-secondary education opportunities at nearby colleges such as University of Alaska Southeast or University of Anchorage Alaska Pacific University campuses.

Some notable landmarks in Metlakatla include Totem Park which displays several totem poles carved by Tsimshian natives; Sacred Heart Catholic Church which was built in 1890; St Paul’s Anglican Church built in 1891; Chief William Duncan Memorial Park; Duncan House Museum; Fort Simpson Historic Park; Totem Bight State Historical Park; Annette Island Reserve Visitor Center; Annette Island Airfield; Annette Island Raceway Museum & Interpretive Center; Salmon Hatchery Interpretive Center & Fish Hatchery Observation Deck; and many more attractions that make up this small but vibrant community nestled on Prince Wales Island.

Population: 1,375
Males: 715 (52.0%), Females: 660 (48.0%)

Zip code: 99926

Demographics

Median resident age: 31.0 years
Median household income: $43,516
Median house value: $105,400

Population by Race

Races in Metlakatla:

• American Indian (89.7%)
• White Non-Hispanic (9.5%)
• Two or more races (7.9%)
• Hispanic (1.8%)
• Other race (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (2.2%), English (1.7%), Irish (1.6%), United States (1.5%).

Land area: 2.3 square miles

Population by Education

Metlakatla, Alaska is a small community located on Annette Island in the Alexander Archipelago. It is home to the Metlakatla Indian Community of the Annette Island Reserve, which is a federally recognized Alaska Native community. As of 2019, the population of Metlakatla was 1,375 people. The majority of the population are Alaska Natives and American Indians who are members of the Tsimshian Tribe. The median age in Metlakatla is 46.6 years old and about 56% of residents are female.

The majority of Metlakatla’s population identifies as American Indian, with 81% identifying as such in 2019. Of this population, almost all identify as members of the Tsimshian Tribe, which makes up most of Metlakatla’s indigenous population. Other Alaska Native tribes represented in Metlakatla include Haida and Tlingit tribes. In addition to these indigenous peoples, there are also non-Native residents in Metlakatla who make up 19% of its total population. These non-Native residents primarily come from mainland U.S., Canada and other parts of Alaska including Anchorage and Fairbanks. English is spoken by almost everyone living in Metlakatla but many also speak Tsimshian or other native languages such as Haida or Tlingit languages.

For population 25 years and over in Metlakatla

• High school or higher: 80.3%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.1%
• Graduate or professional degree: 3.8%
• Unemployed: 20.9%
• Mean travel time to work: 9.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Metlakatla CDP

• Never married: 36.5%
• Now married: 49.3%
• Separated: 2.3%
• Widowed: 4.5%
• Divorced: 7.4%

1.2% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Metlakatla:

• KETCHIKAN GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; KETCHIKAN, AK)
• WRANGELL MEDICAL CENTER (about 103 miles; WRANGELL, AK)
• PETERSBURG MEDICAL CENTER (about 150 miles; PETERSBURG, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Metlakatla:

• KETCHIKAN INTL (about 18 miles; KETCHIKAN, AK; Abbreviation: KTN)
• WRANGELL (about 109 miles; WRANGELL, AK; Abbreviation: WRG)
• PETERSBURG JAMES A JOHNSON (about 149 miles; PETERSBURG, AK; Abbreviation: PSG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Metlakatla:

• METLAKATLA (about 1 miles; METLAKATLA, AK; Abbreviation: MTM)
• TAMGAS HARBOR (about 5 miles; ANNETTE, AK; Abbreviation: Z43)
• KETCHIKAN HARBOR (about 16 miles; KETCHIKAN, AK; Abbreviation: 5KE)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Metlakatla:

• PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 744 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
• WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 767 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
• WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 769 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
• SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE (about 788 miles; MT VERNON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,420)
• OLYMPIC COLLEGE (about 808 miles; BREMERTON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,889)
• EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 813 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)
• EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 814 miles; EVERETT, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,970)

Schools

Public high school in Metlakatla:

• METLAKATLA HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 93; Location: 4TH & MILTON STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Metlakatla:

• RICHARD JOHNSON ELEMENTARY (Students: 145; Location: 4TH & MILTON STREET; Grades: PK – 06)
• LEASK MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 51; Location: 4TH & MILTON STREET; Grades: 07 – 08)

Libraries

Library in Metlakatla:

• CENTENNIAL LIBRARY (Operating income: $19,500; Location: 4TH & MILTON STREET; 8,403 books; 359 video materials; 44 serial subscriptions)