Dunleavy to be sworn in as governor in Northwest Alaska village

Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy announced Saturday he will be sworn in next month in the Northwest Alaska village of Noorvik, his wife's hometown.

The village, on the Kobuk River and with a population of around 700, is home to Dunleavy's wife, Rose, and extended family. The swearing-in, on Dec. 3, will be followed by an inauguration ceremony in Wasilla on Dec. 4, Dunleavy's transition organization said in a statement.

"The decision to hold the swearing-in ceremony in Noorvik was made by the governor-elect himself, in an effort to honor and recognize residents of rural Alaska, whom he called neighbors for almost 20 years," it said.

Dunleavy was superintendent of schools for the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, based in Kotzebue, and later was elected to the state Senate from Wasilla, where he lives with his family.

Dunleavy also announced that Rina Salazar of Anchorage and Cynthia Henry of Fairbanks will serve as inaugural event co-chairs. Dunleavy spoke Saturday night to the Alaska Outdoor Council banquet in Fairbanks.