By 1969, there were 26 houses, a store, two churches and a community hall in Chalkyitsik. Culture Chalkyitsik is a traditional Gwich'in village, with a subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. Economy Wage opportunities are limited, primarily part-time with the school district, village council, clinic, or state and federal agencies. Seasonal work if found fire firefighting for the BLM, making sleds and snowshoes, trapping and handicrafts.
Subsistence plays an important role in the village economy.
Moose, caribou and sheep in the winter and plentiful salmon and whitefish on the Black River provide a relatively stable source of food. Residents own ATVs, snowmachines and skiffs for fishing, hunting and recreation. No roads connect Chalkyitsik with other villages, although there is a winter trail to Fort Yukon. It is accessible by small riverboat. Chalkyitsik received cargo by barge at one time, but the service is no longer provided.