Wainwright is located on the Chukchi Sea approximately 70 miles southwest of Utqiaġvik and 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle.  Wainwright is situated on a spit of land between the Chukchi Sea and Wainwright Inlet.  The lagoon of Wainwright Inlet is fed by waters from the Kuk River.  The Iñupiaq name for Wainwright is Ulġuniq.

The land and sea provide bountiful harvest opportunities in Ulġuniq (Wainwright).  Spring and fall bowhead whaling are significant harvest activities for the community.  Caribou are hunted through much of the year as well as different species of seals. Spring and fall bird hunting and summer and winter ice fishing fill every season with important harvest activities.

Jason Ahmaogak has been observing for AAOKH since 2025. Jason is a local whaling captain who loves hunting and fishing to provide for his family and extended family.  The AAOKH database also includes observations made by Steven Patkotak between 2018 and 2022.