Aleutians East Borough

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Based in Sand Point, the Aleutians East Borough comprises the westernmost portion of the Alaska Peninsula, and a number of Aleutian islands.

The Aleutian Islands (possibly from Chukchi aliat, meaning “island”) are a chain of small islands situated in the Northern Pacific Ocean, and extending about 1,200 miles westward from the extremity of the Alaskan peninsula toward the peninsula of Kamchatka.

The eastern half of the archipelago is part of the state of Alaska, and usually considered as being in the Alaskan Bush; the western half is part of Russia. The islands are located in the northern part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The Alaskan side of the archipelago is divided into the Aleutians East Borough and the Aleutians West Census Area.

The Aleutians East Borough includes the westernmost portion of the Alaska Peninsula and a number of Aleutian Islands. The boundaries begin near Nelson Lagooon and proceed southwest to Akutan Island; containing 2,547 miles of wild and scenic coastline.

There are five incorporated cities and two unincorporated villages within the boundaries of the borough. According to archaeological evidence, the area has been inhabited by the Unaga (Aleut) since the last ice age.

Aleutians East Borough

The Native people had early contact with Russian fur traders. During the early 1900s, whaling, fishing and cannery operations drew an influx of Scandinavian and European fishermen to the area. And today, commercial fishing and fish processing dominate the Borough’s economy.

It lies at approximately 57° 00′ N Latitude, 162° 00′ W Longitude . The community is located in the Aleutian Islands Recording District. The area encompasses 6,985 sq. miles of land and 8,027 sq. miles of water. During World War II the area was a strategic military site for the Aleutian Campaign, and many locals were evacuated to Ketchikan.

The area is remote and economic opportunities are few. There are five incorporated cities and one village administered by the tribal council. The six communities are:
Sand Point
King Cove
Akutan
False Pass
Nelson Lagoon
Cold Bay.