The moves to Old Buckland and Elephant Point in the 1920s were made to pasture or slaughter the village's reindeer herd. Buckland is located in an area subject to flooding during Spring break-up due to ice jamming. Economy Residents depend on a subsistence lifestyle for most food sources. Caribou, beluga whale, and seal are important staples of the diet. Employment is primarily with the school, City, health clinic, and stores.
Some mining also occurs.
One resident holds a commercial fishing permit. The village is interested in developing a Native food products and crafts manufacturing facility to produce reindeer sausage, berry products, labrador tea and ivory and wood carving. Buckland has a State-owned 2,600' gravel airstrip which serves a number of scheduled and charter air carriers. Crowley Marine Services barges in fuel and supplies to Buckland each summer. Boats are used for travel to other villages and for subistence activities.