Native Village of Georgetown
They call themselves Keledzhichagat
Alaska Native community on the upper Kuskokwim River
The Native Village of Georgetown is an Alaska Native community located in the Bethel Census Area of Alaska, along the upper Kuskokwim River. Though the village itself has very few residents today, its tribal council has over a hundred members, most of whom live nearby. Georgetown is known for its roots as a summer fish camp and its history as a gold mining settlement.
Who are the Native Village of Georgetown?
The Native Village of Georgetown is an Alaska Native community with deep roots along the upper Kuskokwim River. Historically, the area was known as Keledzhichagat and served as a summer fish camp for nearby Native residents. Today, the village itself has very few permanent residents, but the tribal community remains active, with many descendants living in the surrounding region. The Georgetown Tribal Council represents the community and maintains its cultural and historical ties to the land.
Where do the Native Village of Georgetown live?
Georgetown is situated on the north bank of the upper Kuskokwim River in the Kilbuck-Kuskokwim mountains of Alaska. The village is about 16 miles downstream from Red Devil and just upstream from the mouth of the George River. The area is accessible by boat, snowmobile in winter, or small plane. The landscape is shaped by rivers, mountains, and a subarctic climate, supporting fishing and seasonal activities.
How do the Native Village of Georgetown live?
Traditionally, the people of Georgetown relied on fishing, especially during the summer months when the area was used as a fish camp. The river provided salmon and other fish, which were important food sources. In the early 20th century, gold mining became a major activity, drawing many people to the area. As mining declined, most residents left, and today, economic activity is limited, with some tribal members working in nearby towns or seasonal jobs.
How is Native Village of Georgetown society organised?
The Native Village of Georgetown is organized around its tribal council, which represents enrolled members and manages community affairs. Family and kinship ties remain important, especially among those who trace their ancestry to the original residents. The community historically gathered seasonally for fishing and other activities, and many descendants maintain connections to the land and to each other through the tribal organization.
The history of the Native Village of Georgetown
Non-Native explorers first reached the Georgetown area in the mid-19th century. The village, then called Keledzhichagat, was a summer fish camp for residents of Kwigiumpainukamiut. Gold was discovered in 1909, leading to a mining boom and a population of about 300 by 1910. A fire in 1911 destroyed most buildings, and as mining declined, the population fell. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 allowed descendants to reclaim land, and the Native Village of Georgetown was formally established. The tribal council now represents the community.
Native Village of Georgetown life today
Georgetown itself has only a few permanent residents, but the tribal council has over 100 members, most living nearby. The community maintains its legal and cultural identity as an Alaska Native village. While the population is small, the tribal council continues to manage affairs and preserve connections to the land and heritage. Economic opportunities are limited, and most members live in the surrounding region.
Questions people ask about the Native Village of Georgetown
Where do the Native Village of Georgetown live?
The Native Village of Georgetown live in the United States, in the upper Kuskokwim River, Kilbuck-Kuskokwim mountains, Alaska.
How many Native Village of Georgetown people are there?
Our sources give the Native Village of Georgetown population as 2 residents (2010 census); 128 enrolled tribal members (2009). Counts of peoples vary with who is counted and when.
How do the Native Village of Georgetown make a living?
The Native Village of Georgetown are known for fishing and the sea and towns and wage work. Like most peoples, they combine several ways of making a living, and these have changed over time.
Sources and further reading
This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Native Village of Georgetown themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.
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