Shocking Relocation: How Climate Change Forced an Entire Alaskan Village to Start Anew

The Erosion of Newtok

Once a bustling village on the Ninglick River, Newtok has been ravaged by relentless erosion and melting permafrost. These forces have claimed nearly 70 feet of land annually, reducing once vibrant homes to dilapidated structures. The village’s rich history, woven into the fabric of its community, now faces an uncertain future.

Ashley Tom recalls the cherished memories with her great-grandmother, who taught her traditional skills like sewing and grass basket weaving. These cultural practices were passed down through generations, and the Yupik language flourished within the walls of their home. Now, much of what they knew is being dismantled by nature’s wrath.

With the village no longer habitable, the urgency to relocate became inevitable. Newtok’s residents have been gradually moving to Mertarvik since 2019. The final 71 villagers will soon join 230 others in one of the first large-scale relocations due to climate change, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the community.

“Living with my great-grandmother was all I could remember from Newtok,” Ashley Tom shared, reminiscing about the home that was among the first to be demolished. The bittersweet move to Mertarvik symbolizes both an end and a new beginning.

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Challenges of Relocation

Finding a new home was a lengthy process. After decades of searching, Newtok leaders secured a land swap with the federal government, moving the village 9 miles away to the volcanic underpinnings of Nelson Island in the Bering Strait. Despite this success, the transition was fraught with challenges.

The split village scenario left essential services like the grocery store and school in Newtok, forcing some families to live apart. The power poles, precariously leaning due to erosion, posed a constant threat of power outages. As winter approached, the race was on to establish temporary homes in Mertarvik.

The community faced numerous hurdles:

• Securing funding for the relocation, with costs soaring to $160 million
• Negotiating land swaps that required Congressional approval
• Ensuring the new settlement could support traditional practices and cultural continuity

Calvin Tom, the tribal administrator, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Newtok is not a place to live anymore.” The move to Mertarvik was not just about survival but about preserving their way of life.

Adapting to a New Environment

Alaska’s rapid warming, at a rate two to three times faster than the global average, has exacerbated the challenges. Melting permafrost and reduced sea ice have increased coastal erosion, threatening the existence of numerous villages across the Arctic.

The Arctic Institute reported that 4 million people are affected by these changes, with significant infrastructure damage. In Russia, Indigenous communities are relocated to cities, while Scandinavian reindeer herders struggle with shifting landscapes. The impact is widespread and profound.

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For the Yupik of Newtok, the concept of “usteq,” meaning “surface caves in,” has become a harsh reality. The degradation is often slow until it suddenly accelerates, leading to catastrophic events like riverbank collapses or massive sinkholes. This unpredictability underscores the urgency of their relocation efforts.

According to the Alaska Native Health Tribal Consortium, 114 Native communities face similar threats, with six deemed imminently at risk decades ago. The options are limited: fortify their current locations, retreat strategically, or relocate entirely.

Building a Future in Mertarvik

The new village site in Mertarvik offers hope and stability. While residents still use a “honey bucket” system for waste, plans for piped water and sewer services are underway. The new homes are free from the black mold that plagued Newtok, promising a healthier environment.

The relocation has brought significant improvements. The Newtok school has moved, and classes are now held in Mertarvik. Plans for a new school building by 2026, a second grocery store, and a church are in the pipeline. The community’s resilience is evident as they rebuild their lives.

Calvin Tom envisions a future where the relocated town might be renamed Newtok, preserving their heritage. An Indigenous drum and dance group practices at the temporary school, and subsistence hunting opportunities abound, ensuring cultural traditions continue.

Ashley Tom, excited about the final relocation, expressed her optimism: “I really love this new area, and I just feel whole here.” The move to Mertarvik represents not just survival but a commitment to thriving amidst change.

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