The city of Unalakleet was incorporated in 1974. The name Unalakleet means “from the southern side.” Unalakleet has long been a major trade center as the terminus for the Kaltag Portage, an important winter travel route connecting to the Yukon River. Unalakleet has a history of diverse cultures and trade activity. Unalakleet is a city in Nome Census Area, Alaska, United States, in the western part of the state. At the 2010 census the population was 688, down from 747 in 2000. Unalakleet is located at the Norton Sound end of the Unalakleet-Kaltag Portage, an important winter travel route between Norton Sound and the Yukon River. 

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The Native Village of Unalakleet manages community and tribal services while the Unalakleet Native Corporation manages land, and the City of Unalakleet manages infrastructure.  The three entities have differences but harmonize for the overall good of the community.