Savoonga, Alaska

Savoonga is a city on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, about 39 miles southeast of Gambell. It had 835 residents in 2020, most of them Siberian Yupik, and calls itself the Walrus Capital of the World.[1]

History

People have lived on St. Lawrence Island intermittently for about 2,000 years. A famine from 1878 to 1880 devastated the population. Reindeer were introduced in 1900, and the herd exceeded 10,000 by 1917. The village took shape in the 1930s and was incorporated in 1969, and in 1971 Savoonga and Gambell received joint title to most of the island’s land.[1]

People and language

Most islanders speak Siberian Yupik, and about 95 percent of residents identified as Native American in 2000.[1]

Economy and subsistence

Subsistence hunting and fishing are central to life. Walrus hunting is a major part of it, alongside seals, fish and bowhead whales. As of 2013, 25 percent of adults were unemployed, and of those employed 37 percent worked for the school system, with other jobs in air transportation, fishing and oil.[1]

Location and population

Savoonga is a city in the Nome Census Area on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. The 2020 census counted 835 residents, up from 671 in 2010 [2].

People and economy

Most residents speak Siberian Yupik, and the island has been inhabited for about 2,000 years by Alaskan Yupik and Siberian Yupik people. The economy rests on subsistence hunting of walrus, seals, fish, and bowhead whales, and the city calls itself the Walrus Capital of the World [2].

Reindeer

Reindeer were introduced to the island in 1900, the herd exceeded 10,000 animals by 1917, and a reindeer camp near present-day Savoonga was set up in 1916 [2].

History

A famine between 1878 and 1880 devastated the island population. The village was established in the 1930s and incorporated in 1969. Under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act it became joint owner, with Gambell, of most of the island land [2].

Transport

Daily flights run from Nome to Savoonga Airport, weather permitting, and a dogsled mail service operated until 1963 [2].

FAQs

Where is Savoonga? On the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island.

What language is spoken? Siberian Yupik.

Why is it called the Walrus Capital? Walrus hunting is central to its subsistence life.

What language do Savoonga residents speak? Most speak Siberian Yupik [2].

How do you reach Savoonga? By air from Nome, weather permitting [2].

Sources

1. Wikipedia (via Wikiwand): Savoonga
2. Wikipedia: Savoonga, Alaska

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue