The region, made up of 75,000 square miles, is approximately the land size of the state of Oregon with a population of more than 23,000 people who live among 58 rural communities not connected by road. The communities range in size from 25 to over 1,000 persons each. Bethel, the regional service and transportation center, has a population of nearly 7,000. From the villages, Bethel is only accessible by airplane, boat, and (in winter) snowmobiles and four wheelers. Cars often use the frozen rivers as roads during winter.

The land and waters of our area are rich in fish, mammals, birds, and plants that sustain us. Our economy is mixed, with residents using wages to pay for the snowmobiles, boats, motors, ammunition, and fuel that traditional harvesting requires. Although prices are high, often making hunting and fishing difficult to afford, our region’s residents remain committed to traditional harvesting activities and to sharing that return with loved ones.