POPULATION: 63 (2006)
LOCATION: On the north bank of the Yukon River, 17 miles upstream of the Dalton Highway bridge, 90 air miles northwest of Fairbanks.
DESCRIPTION: More than 95 percent of the residents are Alaska Native, primarily Kutchin Indians, heavily dependent on subsistence activities. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, waterfowl and small game are the primary sources of meat. Gardening and berry-picking are popular too. Some seasonal and part-time employment is available at the school (attended by about 20 students), clinic, village council and stores, and through BLM fire-fighting and construction work. The April 2000 U.S. census found that 22 residents were employed, per capita income was $7,113 and 61 percent of residents were living below the official U.S. poverty level.
HISTORY: The original settlement, called Dinyea (meaning "mouth of the canyon"), was founded by three Athabascan brothers from the Koyukon: Old Jacob, Gochonayeeya and Old Steven. It was named for Old Steven when he was elected chief in 1902. During the Gold Rush, residents cut wood for mining operations and fuel for steamboats plying the Yukon River. A trading post was established in the early 1900s. The first school opened in 1907, a post office began operations in 1936 and scheduled air service was initiated in 1939.
