Arctic Schools/Communities

Dudinka, Siberia (YeniseyRiver). Dudinka (69°N, 86°E) is a port town that serves the mining district around the city of Norilsk.  The population of Dudinka is about 23,000 people, down from over 33,000 in 1989.  Declining population is common in communities throughout Siberia, as the disintegration of the Soviet Union ended economic incentives to live in Siberia.  Dudinka is located near the mouth of the Arctic’s largest river, the Yenisey (discharge 620 km3/y).  For comparison, the mean annual discharge of the Mississippi River is 580 km3.  The majority of Dudinka residents are ethnically Russian, but there are also a number of minority groups including Nganasan, Nenet, Entsy, Evenki, and Dolgan.

Zhigansk, Siberia (LenaRiver).  Zhigansk (67°N, 123°E) is a community of 4000 people, about half the size it was before the breakup of the Soviet Union.  The Lena is the Arctic’s second largest river (discharge 530 km3/y).  Zhigansk is mainly populated by indigenous peoples, including Sakha, Evenki, and Even groups.  The director, teachers, and students of the Zhigansk School are fantastic partners in the Student Partners Project.  In fact, they have a special classroom dedicated to the Student Partners Project and students had to pass an exam to join the school’s “Student Partners Club”.

Salekhard, Siberia (Ob’ River).  Salekhard (67°N, 67°E) is a rapidly growing city located at the mouth of the Ob’ River (discharge 404 km3/y).  Its population in 1989 numbered 32,000, but based on the tremendous construction boom occurring there now, its current population is significantly higher.  The booming economy of the region is related to its position as a globally-significant producer of natural gas and oil.  Indigenous groups in the region include Nenet, Khanty, and Komi.

Tsiigehtchic, Canada (Mackenzie River).  Tsiigehtchic (67°N, 134°W) is a Gwich’en “Indian” village of about 125 people.  It is located near the head of the Mackenzie River delta, about 100 km from the Arctic Ocean.  The Mackenzie River is the 4th largest arctic river, with a mean annual discharge of about 307 km3. 

Pilot Station, Alaska (Yukon River).  Pilot Station (62°N, 163°W) is a community of about 550 people located beside the Yukon River (discharge 205 km3/y).  The population is almost 100% Yupik “Eskimo”.  Subsistence fishing, in particular for Yukon River salmon, and subsistence hunting are important activities.  Interestingly, the church in Pilot Station is Russian Orthodox, demonstrating the historical linkage between this part of Alaska and Russia.

Nuiqsut, Alaska (ColvilleRiver).  Nuiqsut (70°N, 151°W) is a community of about 430 people, located near the mouth of the Colville River (discharge 16 km3/y).  More than 90% of its population is Inupiat “Eskimo”.  Harvest of whales, walrus, seals, and other marine mammals continues to be an important subsistence and cultural activity.  The region around Nuiqsut is rapidly being developed for its oil and natural gas supplies, and these activities are significantly impacting life in Nuiqsut.

Non-Arctic Schools/Communities

Salisbury Community School, Salisbury, Vermont
Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, Roxbury, Massachusetts
West Elementary, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee