Diomede is on the west coast of Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait, 135 miles northwest of Nome. It is only 2.5 miles from Big Diomede Island, Russia.
Diomede is a traditional Ingalikmiut Eskimo village. Diomede villagers (population about 145) depend almost entirely upon subsistence resources, including fish, crab, walrus, seal, beluga whales and polar bears. Mainland Natives come to hunt polar bears. Villagers make clothing, such as parkas, hats and mukluks, from seal and walrus hides.
Many of the Diomede people are excellent ivory carvers. Skin boats are still a popular method of making the 28-mile trip to Wales. There is no airstrip because of the steep slopes and rocky terrain. Ski planes land on an ice strip in winter. Few floatplane pilots attempt to land on the open sea during summer.
A state heliport allows for weekly mail delivery. Cargo barges stop irregularly due to sea and ice conditions. The village water, stored in a tank for the winter, typically runs out around March. Diomede then closes the washeteria, and residents melt snow and ice for drinking water.
No alcohol is permitted in the village. The town levies a 3 percent sales tax.
History
Early Eskimos on Big and Little Diomede islands were fearless on the ice and sea, and developed an advanced culture with elaborate whale hunting ceremonies. They traded with people on both Asia and North America.
The islands were named in 1728 by Vitus Bering in honor of Saint Diomede. During the Cold War, Big Diomede became a Soviet military base, and all Native residents were moved to mainland Russia. During World War II, Little Diomede residents who strayed into Soviet waters were taken captive.
Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
