Visit to the Eskimo village of Noorvik

Noorvik is situated on the right bank of the Nazuruk Channel of the Kobuk River.

Traveling to Noorvik early last Monday morning proved to be quite eventful. Snow had fallen in Kotzebue on Sunday night and the locks on the van had frozen. Two boxes filled with supplies and a computer sat on the backseat waiting to be checked as luggage for the 40-minute flight to this small village. There was some urgency to deliver the supplies to the Noorvik club as I had heard they had almost nothing. The unit manager needed help in many ways.

Late last week we had received an email from the unit manager saying she was going to close the club if she didn't get some help. The club sees 40 kids a day. These very active children were too much for one person to provide a safe, clean, and fun place for them to be. I had to get on that plane, with those two boxes, and visit her.

As the time ticked away, the fire chief worked unsuccessfully to open the lock with a slim jim. Finally a fellow firefighter unlocked it. After contacting ERA Transportation to urge them to delay the departure, I raced to their terminal through the snowy streets of Kotzebue. After apologizing to the pilot, he explained their departure had been delayed so that they could spray down ice from the plane and runway.

Our Cessna Grand Carovan was fully loaded with cargo and passengers as we raced down the runway for a smooth liftoff. I prayed quietly thanking God for a safe journey and for the opportunity to serve the Noorvik community.

We flew over lagoons and ponds already iced over on their edges. Following the Noatak River the soggy tundra gleamed burgundy and brown. As we neared Kiana, a clearing on a nearby hill graced wooden crosses. At the bottom of this forested hill were discarded wooden boats and kayaks.

After ten minutes of unloading and then loading, the Cessna gathered momentum and lifted off the gravel air strip. When we landed in Noorvik. Patricia and a friend met me at the gravel airstrip in a red pick up. Her friend explained that she had barely enough gas to make the one mile journey to the airport and back. The fuel pump had been out of service for a few days.

Noorvik City Hall

The club is located across the dirt road from City Hall. Yellow caution tape and the city's line crew were running a water and sewer lines from the main to the Club's metal building. The dreariness of the buildings pulled on my heart. This club has no running water nor a toilet. The sign above the door showed signs of wear from extreme cold temperatures and wind.

Entering the kunychuck and then through the main door to the club, the heartbreak went deeper as I saw the nearly empty clubhouse. Children's artwork was taped to the white walls, along with the rules to the club. Patricia showed me the broken foos ball table, a game table the Kotzebue club had given her and a table with four chairs around it. There were a several board games, crayons, and colored pencils.

After interviewing two potential part-time instructors and replacing Patricia's computer, the morning had passed. In need of some facilities and lunch, I headed for city hall. I spoke with the local Nana Corporation representative and peaked through the door of the borough office. After seeing the bathroom downstairs, I went upstairs, met with the city clerk, and used their bathroom.

Walking down the dirt road, I nervously ventured farther from the club for a visit with the local native village government. Four wheelers and walkers passed as I turned the corner leaving the main road. Before speaking with the tribal leader, I shared stories of the success of Kotzebue's package store and learned of the difficulties of making progress in this village. The tribal manager Clara Brown, a very caring woman, promised to help find volunteers for the club. She also spoke of other support the IRA gives for the club.

Noorvik School appeared as a palace in Noorvik.

Upon the completion of our conversation, I made my way to the village's gorgeous school building. It is truly an oasis with its oak colored counters and window sills and tile floors. What a sharp contrast to the dirt streets and aging government housing outside. The principal had been expecting me. We had met last Friday in Kotzebue at Bering Air waiting for his flight back to Noorvik. We discussed how we could mutually assist local youths.

When I returned to the club, Patricia spoke of the many kids who had been in the club that day. I assured her the part time person would start in about a week and of others who promised to help. Relieved, we began making arrangements for me to return to the airstrip. While waiting outside the club, I ate the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had made that morning. I was grateful Rick reminded me to bring food for the trip. Soon afterward a young teacher arrived on a four wheeler for the short ride to the airport. After waiting for five minutes, the small plane arrived. After the short flight, we arrived safely in Kotzebue. Driving the short distance home, I was amazed at yet another contrast: this hub city and village life. Happy to be home.