Ipnatchiaq (Deering)

The village of Ipnatchiaq (Deering).

Ipnatchiaq (Deering) is located on a gravel bar at the mouth of the Inmachuk River in Kotzebue Sound, north of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Ipnatchiaq means "between two bluffs." The bluffs near the community are an important habitat for birds like kittiwakes, murres, and horned puffins.

Residents are Inmachukmiut, or the "people of the Inmachuk River." People rely heavily on subsistence activities, including gathering eggs, fishing for salmon and tomcods, and hunting for caribou, bearded seal, beluga, and birds. Reindeer herding was introduced in 1892.

An important Ipiutak archeological site is located near the community. The Ipiutak resided in the area around 800 and 1300 years ago, and are known for their elaborate burial customs.

Two airlines have regularly scheduled passenger service to this village of over 120 people. An approximately 20-mile-long backpacking route leads south from the village to the preserve. The first part of the route follows an ATV path, while the second part is hiking in open tundra. Both sections follow the Inmachuk River and require route finding skills.