Chevie Roach [Wiki bio] and Sonta Roach: Embracing Alaskan Wilderness, Family Life, and Cultural Heritage in Shageluk

In the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, Chevie Roach and his wife, Sonta Hamilton Roach, have crafted a life that beautifully blends resilience, cultural pride, and family devotion. Surrounded by the rugged Alaskan landscape, the couple has raised five children while embracing a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and their Athabascan heritage. For the Roach family, every frozen trail, wilderness trek, and home-crafted survival skill is part of a powerful narrative — one that celebrates family bonds and a profound respect for the land.

Chevie’s story is more than one of survival — it’s a journey of purpose. With a steadfast commitment to tradition, he has passed down vital skills like hunting, trapping, and mechanical expertise to his children, preparing them for life in one of the world’s harshest environments. Meanwhile, Sonta’s dedication to preserving the Deg Xinag language has ensured that their children remain connected to their cultural roots. Whether watching Sydney’s first moose hunt, guiding Ryder through essential skills, or nurturing their youngest, Callen, Chevie and Sonta’s story is a heartfelt testament to love, resilience, and thriving in harmony with the wild.

Early Life and Wilderness Roots

Born on November 29, 1983, in the remote town of Tok, Alaska, Chevie Roach’s upbringing was deeply connected to the rugged wilderness. Raised in a family that valued outdoor survival skills, Chevie’s early years were filled with lessons in tracking, hunting, and resourcefulness. By the time he was 12 or 13, Chevie was actively hunting wolves alongside his father, mastering essential skills to navigate Alaska’s unforgiving landscape. These formative experiences fostered a profound respect for nature and strengthened his ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.

Chevie attended Tok School but left in 2002 before graduating. Despite this, his education continued outside the classroom — the Alaskan wilderness became his greatest teacher, instilling resilience, adaptability, and practical knowledge. Chevie’s mother, Patti Farren, played a pivotal role in nurturing his values, encouraging his sense of community and family responsibility — a legacy that continues to shape his life.

Business Ventures

Chevie Roach is the owner and operator of Big Wheel Hauling LLC, a business based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Leveraging his mechanical expertise and understanding of Alaska’s rugged terrain, Chevie has built a successful hauling service that navigates the unique logistical challenges of the region. His hands-on approach and entrepreneurial drive have enabled him to support his family while thriving in the Alaskan wilderness.

The Roach Family: A Story of Love, Culture, and Resilience

Chevie and Sonta Roach’s life is a beautiful blend of family, tradition, and connection to their cultural roots. Married on July 10, 2009, they have built a warm home filled with love and learning. While Chevie is not of Athabascan descent, his wife, Sonta, proudly belongs to the Deg Hit’an people, a subgroup of the Athabascan community. Together, they are raising their five children to embrace both their cultural heritage and the wilderness of Alaska.

Their eldest daughter, Sydney, has grown into a confident young woman. She achieved milestones like her first moose hunt and took part in wolf hunting with her father. These moments, captured on Life Below Zero: Next Generation, show her growing independence and respect for her family’s traditions.

Ryder, born on September 9, 2013, is now 11 years old. With a strong interest in mechanics, Ryder often helps his father with projects. His adventurous spirit shows during winter outings, where he skillfully maneuvers his sled through deep snow, taking on challenges with determination and excitement.

Emry, full of energy and curiosity, enjoys being part of the family’s outdoor lifestyle. She loves helping Sonta cut fish and proudly fries up white fish eggs as her reward. Emry’s eagerness to participate shows her desire to embrace family customs while finding her own role.

Chevelle, the family’s curious learner, is determined to master outdoor skills like sled riding. Her persistence reflects her drive to connect with the land and family traditions.

The youngest, Callen Cruz Roach, born on December 8, 2023, has brought new joy to the family. His arrival has been celebrated as a special gift, bringing love and excitement into their home.

Living in Shageluk, Alaska, allows the Roach family to immerse themselves in traditions like hunting, fishing, and dog mushing. They also maintain their family smokehouse and practice traditional cooking methods. These activities aren’t just chores — they’re bonding moments that connect the family to their land and heritage.

Sonta plays a vital role in preserving the Deg Xinag language. As a teacher at the Iditarod Area School District, she actively integrates language learning into her family’s everyday life. Through storytelling, traditional skills, and outdoor activities, she teaches her children and students the language. From naming plants and animals in Deg Xinag to crafting birch baskets, Sonta’s dedication ensures that the language remains strong for future generations.

For Chevie and Sonta, raising their children in Shageluk is about more than just living close to nature. It’s about giving their children a strong sense of identity and pride in who they are. Through their commitment to family, language, and culture, Chevie and Sonta Roach continue to inspire their children to value and carry forward the traditions that define their family’s rich story.

Television Appearances

Life Below Zero: Next Generation (2021-2024)

The Roach family’s journey in National Geographic’s Life Below Zero: Next Generation tells a powerful story of resilience, tradition, and survival. Living off-grid in Alaska’s harsh wilderness, Chevie and Sonta Roach have built a life deeply connected to the land.

Chevie Roach’s Skills and Expertise

Chevie is widely recognized for his expertise in trapping, hunting, and snowmobiling. He regularly sets traps for animals like martens and wolves, demonstrating considerable knowledge and skill in wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices. In addition to his outdoor proficiency, Chevie possesses substantial mechanical aptitude, particularly in maintaining and repairing snowmobiles and other essential equipment. This skill set is critical for survival in Alaska’s unforgiving climate, ensuring that he and his family can reliably traverse and manage the wilderness.

Chevie Roach’s Debut and Key Moments

Chevie Roach’s journey in Life Below Zero has been filled with memorable moments that resonate deeply with viewers. His ability to balance tradition, family, and survival has been widely admired.

Chevie Roach made his debut in Season 3’s episode titled Big Boss, which aired on October 5, 2021. In this episode, Chevie showcased his native traditions as he worked to secure a winter supply of blackfish, reflecting his deep knowledge of traditional Alaskan survival methods. From that point forward, Chevie became a key figure in the series, appearing in 49 episodes throughout the show’s run.

Chevie’s journey has been defined by his remarkable adaptability and deep connection to his family’s subsistence lifestyle. In Breathe In Breathe Out, Chevie led his family on a challenging journey up the Inoko River to gather resources, demonstrating his leadership and survival skills. In The Messenger, Chevie’s protective instincts were on display when he took bold steps to safeguard his family from an unexpected threat.

One of the most memorable moments occurred in This is Not the End, where Chevie accompanied his daughter Sydney on her first moose hunt. After Sydney successfully wounded the moose, Chevie stepped in to deliver the final shot to ensure the animal’s humane death. While some fans debated whether Sydney should have completed the hunt herself, her proud smile in a heartwarming photo holding the moose antlers made it clear how meaningful the experience was. Chevie shared that Sydney had worked hard both on and off camera to prepare for that moment, demonstrating her dedication to learning vital skills.

In Nature’s Bounty, Chevie took on the role of mentor, teaching his children vital survival skills during a resource-gathering trip. His determination to prepare for winter was evident in Risk to Reward, where he and his cousin Roger braved powerful waters to secure much-needed firewood.

Chevie’s resilience shone through in Winter from Hell, where he revived an old trapping cabin to aid his family’s survival, and in Wolf Territory, where he and Sonta encountered fresh wolf tracks while establishing a new trapline. Additionally, Chevie’s bond with his daughter Sydney deepened when they successfully hunted a black wolf together — a memorable achievement that showcased their teamwork and shared skill. Their ability to protect their home and their family reinforced their dedication to living in harmony with nature.

Chevie’s commitment to preserving native traditions was equally evident. In Deadman’s Return, he guided his family in building a steam bath, a cultural practice passed down through generations. Meanwhile, in Death Trap, the Roach family showcased their craftsmanship by creating fur clothing, blending cultural heritage with practical survival needs.

Life Below Zero Debut (2024 S23)

Following the cancellation of Life Below Zero: Next Generation, Chevie Roach transitioned to the original Life Below Zero series in Season 23, where he appeared in several memorable episodes. His debut introduced viewers to his family’s subsistence lifestyle in the remote Athabascan village of Shageluk, Alaska. Together with his wife Sonta and their childrenChevie continues to embody a self-reliant way of life through hunting, fishing, and trapping.

In Season 23 of Life Below Zero, Chevie’s presence continued to highlight his unwavering dedication to family and survival. In School of Ice, Chevie took his son Ryder under his wing, teaching him essential winter survival skills. From building emergency shelters to navigating frozen terrain, this episode captured Chevie’s quiet determination to ensure his children inherit the knowledge they need to thrive in Alaska’s unforgiving environment.

In Night Country, Chevie set out with his children on a challenging moose hunt, braving icy conditions to secure vital food for the family. His persistence and resilience were evident as he pushed through the harsh elements, demonstrating his unwavering role as both a provider and protector.

In Rites of Winter, Chevie and Ryder ventured deep into the frozen landscape to establish a winter trapline. The episode emphasized their grit and perseverance in securing resources crucial for their survival.

Chevie’s protective nature extended beyond his family in It’s Never Easy. In this episode, he actively worked to safeguard Shageluk’s moose population from predators, reinforcing his role as both a guardian of wildlife and a steward of the land.

The episode Mama’s Home captured the rhythm of their subsistence lifestyle. As spring arrived, Chevie and Ryder embarked on a crucial hunt to replenish their food stores — a powerful reminder of their ongoing reliance on Alaska’s natural cycles. Meanwhile, Chevie proudly watched as his children embraced their cultural roots. His daughters participated in traditional dance performances while Ryder learned drumming and singing, reinforcing their connection to their Athabascan heritage.

In High Risk, High Reward, Chevie and his children faced unpredictable river conditions as they traveled along the Innoko River to gather firewood and protein. This episode showcased their teamwork, resilience, and determination to keep their off-grid lifestyle thriving.

Through his appearances in both Life Below Zero: Next Generation and Life Below Zero, Chevie Roach has emerged as a powerful example of resilience, cultural preservation, and the strength of family bonds. Whether proudly celebrating Sydney’s successful hunts, teaching Ryder vital skills, or preserving cultural traditions with his family, Chevie’s journey has left a lasting impression on viewers, solidifying his place as one of the standout figures in the series.

Living Off the Grid in Alaska with Chevie Roach

Living off the grid in Alaska is no small feat — it takes careful planning, resilience, and a strong sense of self-reliance. Chevie Roach, known from Life Below Zero, has spent years mastering this lifestyle and shares practical insights for those seeking to do the same. Drawing from his experience, Chevie emphasizes the importance of starting small, building smart, and making the most of the resources around you.

Starting Small and Building Skills

Chevie’s biggest advice for beginners is to start small. Jumping straight into a large-scale off-grid setup can be overwhelming, but focusing on the basics first makes the transition easier. Skills like chopping firewood, maintaining equipment, and hauling water are crucial, and mastering these early helps build confidence before expanding to larger goals.

Choosing the Right Location

Finding the right property is one of the most critical steps in off-grid living. Chevie recommends prioritizing:

• Proximity to Water: Living near a river, lake, or ocean provides a steady supply of fresh water, fish, and access for transportation. Indigenous Alaskan communities have long depended on waterways for these essential resources, and they remain vital for off-grid living today.
• Solid Ground: Avoid areas with permafrost or standing water, which make construction challenging and gardening difficult. Stable, dry land makes for a solid foundation and fewer maintenance headaches.
• South-Facing Property: Positioning your home to face south maximizes sunlight exposure, helping to keep your cabin warm and making solar power more efficient.
• Timber Supply: Chevie stresses the value of nearby spruce trees, which are abundant in Alaska’s interior. Timber is vital for both heating and construction, and having access to a sustainable wood supply can greatly reduce costs and effort.

Building the Cabin

Chevie built his 12×20 cabin with a 12/12 pitch roof, which maximizes loft space while maintaining warmth. In extreme cold regions that drop to -50°F, Chevie suggests opting for a lower-pitched roof with thicker insulation to conserve heat better.

Heating is crucial in the Alaskan wilderness. While Chevie’s smaller cabin requires 3-4 cords of wood in winter, his larger home can burn up to 10-12 cords. Managing firewood efficiently is key to staying warm throughout the harsh winter months.

Water Management

With no running water, creative solutions are necessary. Chevie recommends:

• Cutting a hole in river ice to collect fresh water.
• Bringing large blocks of clear ice indoors to melt overnight for clean drinking water.
• Keeping wash basins, buckets, and pots handy to store and boil water for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.

Staying Clean and Warm

Since traditional plumbing is unavailable, Chevie relies on a steam bath or sauna — an essential feature in his setup. Heated by a wood stove, this space serves as a place to clean up, warm up, and stay comfortable during cold spells.

Power Solutions

Winter’s limited sunlight can render solar panels unreliable, so Chevie supplements with a Honda generator to charge batteries and keep essential systems running. Keeping batteries charged is vital, as extreme cold can damage unpowered batteries, making backup power crucial.

Food Preservation

In the Arctic, cold temperatures become an advantage for food storage. By utilizing outdoor caches or digging underground storage near permafrost, food can stay frozen for months without relying on electric freezers — a critical survival tactic in remote areas.

Embracing the Lifestyle

Chevie is upfront about the challenges of off-grid living. From hauling firewood in sled loads to dealing with riverbank erosion, the lifestyle demands persistence and effort. Yet for those willing to embrace the work, the rewards are unmatched — the satisfaction of heating your home with your own firewood, drinking fresh river water, and living independently makes the challenges worthwhile.

Chevie Roach Wiki Bio Facts Table

Category	Details
Full Name	Chevie Roach
Date of Birth	November 29, 1983 (Age 41 as of March 2025)
Place of Birth	Tok, Alaska, United States
Current Residence	Shageluk, Alaska, United States
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Occupation	Survivalist, Outdoorsman, Business Owner, TV Personality
Business	Owner/Operator at Big Wheel Hauling LLC
Television Debut	Life Below Zero: Next Generation (2021)
TV Appearances	Life Below Zero: Next Generation, Life Below Zero
Spouse	Sonta Hamilton Roach (Married July 10, 2009)
Children	Sydney, Ryder, Emry, Chevelle, Callen Cruz Roach
Youngest Child	Callen Cruz Roach (Born December 8, 2023)
Parents	Mother: Patti Farren
Education	Attended Tok School (Left in 2002)
Cultural Role	Active in preserving Athabascan heritage through family and community
Key Skills	Hunting, Trapping, Snowmobiling, Mechanical Repairs
Famous For	Showcasing Alaskan survival skills and family life in Life Below Zero
Memorable TV Moment	Sydney’s first moose hunt featured on Life Below Zero: Next Generation
Signature Survival Skills	Winter survival, resource gathering, off-grid living
Language Preservation Efforts	Wife Sonta Roach is a Deg Hit’an language teacher
Community Involvement	Actively participates in Shageluk community traditions and events
Key Values	Family, Cultural Preservation, and Survival in Alaska’s Wilderness
Marital Status	Married to Sonta Hamilton Roach