This Tlingit community is the only permanent settlement on Admiralty Island, located on the southwest coast at Kootznahoo Inlet. Angoon is 55 miles southwest of Juneau and 41 miles northeast of Sitka.
Admiralty Island National Monument is a 1493-sq-mile preserve, of which 90% has been designated as wilderness. The Tlingit Indians, who know Admiralty Island as Kootznoowoo, 'the Fortress of Bears', have resided on the 96-mile-long island for more than 1000 years.
The island has one of the highest populations of bears in Alaska. An estimated 1500 to 1700 bears live there. They enjoy a good life on the island, roaming the drainage areas for sedges, roots and berries much of the year but feasting on salmon in August before settling into dens on the upper slopes to sleep away most of the winter.
Angoon is 59 miles southwest of Juneau. It is the only permanent settlement on Admiralty Island and is located on the southwest side at Kootznahoo Inlet. The community is home to 599 residents.<br>
The strong indigenous heritage is evident in the painted fronts of the 16 tribal community houses. The old lifestyle is still apparent here and time in Angoon can be spent observing and gaining some understanding of the Tlingit culture.
Commercial fishing is a major source of income; 59 residents hold commercial fishing permits. A shellfish farm venture was recently funded by state and federal grants. The Chatham School District is the primary employer. Logging on Prince of Wales Island provide occasional jobs. Subsistence remains an important part of the lifestyle. The most important resources are deer, salmon, bear, halibut, shellfish, geese and berries.
Angoon's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters.
