Kwigillingok

Kwigillingok (Kuigilnguq), located on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on the bank of the Kwigillingok River just a short distance from the Bering Sea, is home to the Native Village of Kwigillingok, a federally recognized Tribe. The village’s 359 residents rely on subsistence activities for food security and as part of their culture and traditional lifestyle.

Kwigillingok is facing imminent threats as a result of the climate crisis. The ground under the village is sinking as the permafrost thaws. At the same time, the sea level is rising and the village is experiencing increased extreme weather events, continuous high-water flooding, and accelerated erosion. In August 2024, Kwigillingok was hit with an extreme flood event that caused extensive damages that are still being assessed and prompted the Native Village of Kwigillingok to request a federal disaster declaration.

Faced with the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis and the ongoing threats to the health and safety of village residents, Kwigillingok has made the difficult decision to relocate the entire community to higher ground.