So I'm looking at possible going back out to the Western Arctic because I actually miss it and have seen a few options that will be open but I got to thinking what else am I missing out on??? I teach Science and Math and honesty the sky is the limits for most remote schools in AK. Not saying they all have openings but because of the high turnover rate there is a good chance they generally have a position open.

My wants: good trapping and hunting. Pretty simple... But I would also like a place that I will enjoy the people and be able to make friends. I know A LOT of the villages are surrounded by native land and its not trappable so I want to take that into consideration. It would kill me to get to a place and see animals all over the place and couldn't trap or hunt.

Its appeard to me, over time, that teachers in villages either ''clan up' with other teachers and keep to themselfs mostly or they just get out in the community and partake.

My village, Noorvik, (it is, after 30 years) doest put up a fuss about folks who are here teaching our kids if you should participate in the outdoor activity's such as hunting and trapping, but it is on the side of caution to have someone along to point out the private property's. If you reside in our village as a teacher, the local IRA will permit you for land use, because they would want you to not only ''do your thang'' but it always helps to have understanding of what local folks are up to.

1 hour down river and the water turns Salty, and the change in eco system is another kind of hunting/fishing

Mountains around us, a river Delta before us, the tundra everywhere.

People are people, same but different everywhere.

Pretty sure Family Trapper can enlighten you. Might not be what you want to hear, though, if I have read between the lines, correctly.

Upper, mid and lower yukon/Kusko would give you additional options for sure. But many of the choices come with deficits. Need to be careful, because in the end, your choices are limited. But there are several that would meet your needs and existing/past teachers would be the best resource. A few decent choices off the rivers as well.

I would move to Noorvik and be Chips best buddy!! Or maybe to Shungnak and spend all my free winter time at Hotsprings.
Actually most all Vills have one opportunity or another. Do you really have that much choice, Teacher? Don't you have to get a job offer from the school district?
mt

You should move to McGrath. Try and get a house close to White17.

Seems every year there are a dozen openings or more across ea district. I’ve been in AK for quite a few yrs so understand the system pretty well. Honestly loved the people in the last spot I was at but the location was wrong and had family issues that needed fixed. I want to be more interior. Not just on the open Tundra and ocean.

As a teacher my village allows me to do any activity I would like except dig for things which is fine by me. However the village not so far off allows none of this for the teachers, so I would look into any possible villages land use permitting process. I also strongly agree with what caribou said about teachers clamming up together, I do more with people who grew up here than other teachers and this then opens more oppertunitys for me. My family also is the only teacher family that lives here year round so we have been invited and but more effort into doing outdoor things than others. Thats just my experience though.

You can usually tell right off the bat which teachers, etc will fit into a community. A teacher that's willing to learn is usually the one that fits right in. One that digs right in at the community feast and gives a good effort at the old time dances is usually invited out hunting, picnicking, wood hauling, Berry picking, stuff like that.

A big thing ive noticed is following traditions like sharing catches especially first catches and like Ryan said being willing to try new things.

Sad but true, just like Ryan said, big turn around here also. We have spirit camp the first wk of school upriver and you find out real quick if they'll be around next yr.

Gawd! First time in Emmonak with the ex had to dance with her mom. Never danced a 3 step before. Ugh, felt so out of place! But I gave it my best shot. Next time practiced up with the ex before I went to one of those dances again!!
mt

What Ryan said!!!

Was told once by my first boss to always experience everything you can where ever you go as you never know when you will ever get back there. He also said that in doing this, you always make new friends wherever you go. I have always tried to do that and it has worked out great. Staying in a clique or not getting out will make for a miserable experience anywhere you go.

-TJ

TJ is correct - all you can where you can.

There are people in the Bush, who cross off each day on the calendar. Doing their time until they can move on to the next job or location. They eventually leave and think they have experienced an area. They never winter camped with a snow machine and an Arctic oven, flew out and woke up on a ridge with the sun rising while Caribou hunting, etc. It costs money that many might not have, but you only live once. Make the effort and take advantage of every opportunity.

I feel like this question is like asking where the best place to gamble is in Vegas.