#FocusWesternAK: Noorvik

Noorvik (Nuurviuk in Inupiaq) is located just above the Arctic Circle, on the right bank of the Nazuruk Channel of the Kobuk River, and downriver from the Kobuk Valley National Park. Its name means “place that is moved to.” Original settlers came from Deering and Oksik.
This November, I got a chance to capture Noorvik’s tall trees, icy waters, and brilliant blue skies. It’s a place that’s outside of KNOM’s range, but I can tell that the residents of Noorvik share many of the values and traditions held dear by our listeners across the Bering Strait region and beyond.
You can get a glimpse of Noorvik’s beauty for yourself, by clicking through the photo gallery below.
- During this time of year, Noorvik gets less than two hours of sunlight per day. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
- Noorvik Aqqaluk School, part of the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
- Noorvik sits above the Arctic Circle but below the tree line. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
- Ice-fishing on the Kobuk River. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
- The Noorvik Boys & Girls Club. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
- The view from the plane ride from Noorvik to Kotzebue. Photo: Lauren Frost/KNOM
Best place to live. My hometown born and raised.
Home sweet home