Heimo and Edna Korth continued to live and thrive in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, maintaining their subsistence lifestyle.
Heimo and Edna Korth, the couple featured in the reality TV series “The Last Alaskans,” have become symbols of resilience and the subsistence lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. They are among the few who were grandfathered in to live within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge after the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, which restricted new human occupation.
The Korths have spent decades living in one of the most remote parts of the United States, enduring extreme weather conditions and the challenges of isolation. Their lifestyle involves hunting, fishing, and trapping to sustain themselves throughout the year. They have raised their children in this environment, passing on their knowledge and respect for the wilderness.
Despite the hardships, Heimo and Edna have expressed a deep love for their way of life and the freedom it provides. They have become iconic figures representing a disappearing way of life, as their lifestyle is no longer legally permitted for newcomers to the refuge.
The show “The Last Alaskans” gave viewers a glimpse into the Korths’ daily lives and the profound connection they have with the land. Even after the show ended, the Korths continued to live in the refuge, adapting to the changes that come with age and the environment. Their story is one of determination, self-reliance, and an unwavering commitment to a life that they believe is worth preserving.
