POPULATION: 815

Tikiġaq, or Point Hope is located on the western coast of the Arctic Slope region. Point Hope is located near the end of a triangular spit jutting 15 miles into the Chukchi Sea, 250 miles southwest of Utqiaġvik. The winters range from 0 degrees to 15 below zero on average, and summers range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Scientific studies confirm Tikiġaq is the longest continually inhabited area in North America. The Iñupiat came to this area to hunt bowhead whales some 2,500 years ago.

Visiting Point Hope, you will learn about Old Tigara, Jabbertown and Ipiutak, a prehistoric site that was inhabited around 600 BC. Ipiutak and the surrounding archaeological district are on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the prehistoric village sites, there are old burial grounds in the area including a cemetery marked by large whale bones standing on end. Erosion and a threat of storm flooding from the Chukchi Sea led to its relocation to higher ground in the mid-1970s.

The community comes together in the summer to celebrate Qagruġvik, the feast held at the end of a successful whaling season. Other cultural activities include boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and Native arts and crafts.