An airstrip was constructed in 1946. Tetlin opted for surface and subsurface title to the 743,000 acres of land in the former Reserve. Due to the community's isolation, the residents are able to pursue a traditional Athabascan culture and lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. The school, clinic, store and post office provide the only employment.
Many residents engage in trapping or making handicrafts for sale.
Fire fighting for BLM employs members of the community in the summer. Nearly all families participate in subsistence activities throughout the year. Whitefish, moose, ducks, geese, spruce hens, rabbits, berries and roots are harvested. Transportation Tetlin is easily accessible by riverboat in the summer, but there is no road access. Many residents own skiffs and snowmachines for hunting, fishing and hauling wood.