Kiana is located on the north bank of the
Kobuk River. The name means "a place where three rivers meet." It was established long ago as the central village of the Kobuk River Kowagmiut Inupiat Eskimos.
The economy of Kiana depends on traditional subsistence activities. Kiana is one of the more modern villages in the area - it has three general stores. The Bob Baker Meml Airport offers daily scheduled and charter flights to and from Kiana. A network of old trading trails still exists.