Dena’ina Heritage Trail Guide: Indigenous Anchorage on Foot
The Dena’ina people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Anchorage area, have a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. This trail guide will take you through some of the most significant Dena’ina cultural sites in and around Anchorage, providing a unique perspective on the history and traditions of this vibrant community. From traditional fish traps to hand-painted spirit houses, this journey will immerse you in the world of the Dena’ina.
Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center
Begin your journey at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, a hub of Dena’ina culture in the heart of Anchorage. The center’s name, Dena’ina, is derived from the Dena’ina Athabascan word ḍenaʼina, meaning “people of the place where we dig for roots” (Municipality of Anchorage, n.d.). The center’s exhibits showcase the history and traditions of the Dena’ina people, including their expertise in fishing, hunting, and gathering.
“Ḏenax̂ (our people) have always been masters of the land and the water,” says a Dena’ina elder. “We have lived here for thousands of years, and our stories and traditions reflect our deep connection to this land” (Alaska Native Heritage Center, n.d.).
Ship Creek (Dgheyaytnu)
From the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, head to Ship Creek (Dgheyaytnu), a traditional fish trap site located along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The creek was an important source of food for the Dena’ina, who built fish traps to catch salmon and other fish (National Park Service, n.d.). Today, visitors can view salmon swimming upstream through the fish traps, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Dena’ina people.
Take a moment to walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers stunning views of Knik Arm and the surrounding mountains. The trail is a great place to spot wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles.
Earthquake Park
Next, head to Earthquake Park, a site that holds significant meaning for the Dena’ina people. On March 27, 1964, a devastating earthquake struck Alaska, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The Dena’ina people were particularly affected, as their traditional way of life was disrupted by the earthquake (Eklutna Inc., n.d.).
The earthquake also had a profound impact on the Dena’ina language and culture. As a result, many Dena’ina people were forced to learn English and adopt Western customs, leading to a decline in the use of the Dena’ina language (University of Alaska Fairbanks, n.d.).
Visitors to Earthquake Park can learn more about the impact of the earthquake on the Dena’ina people and see the effects of the earthquake on the landscape.
Westchester Lagoon (Chanshtnu)
After visiting Earthquake Park, head to Westchester Lagoon (Chanshtnu), a tranquil oasis in the heart of Anchorage. The lagoon is an important habitat for migratory birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds (Municipality of Anchorage, n.d.). The Dena’ina people have traditionally used the lagoon as a source of food and have also used the surrounding area for hunting and gathering.
Eklutna Historical Park (Day Trip)
For a day trip, head to Eklutna Historical Park, located about 45 minutes north of Anchorage. The park is home to a stunning Russian Orthodox church, hand-painted spirit houses, and a Dena’ina heritage center. The church, which dates back to 1895, is one of the oldest buildings in Alaska (Eklutna Inc., n.d.).
The park also features a Dena’ina heritage center, which showcases the history and traditions of the Dena’ina people. Visitors can learn about Dena’ina culture, see traditional artifacts, and even take a guided tour of the park.
The Anchorage Museum
After visiting Eklutna Historical Park, head to the Anchorage Museum, which features a comprehensive collection of Alaska Native art and artifacts. The museum’s Alaska Native galleries showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state’s indigenous peoples, including the Dena’ina (Anchorage Museum, n.d.).
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Finally, no visit to Anchorage would be complete without a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This essential stop offers a comprehensive look at the history and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, including the Dena’ina (Alaska Native Heritage Center, n.d.).
The center features a stunning replica of a Dena’ina village, complete with hand-painted spirit houses, traditional cooking pits, and even a replica of a Dena’ina fish trap.
Flattop Mountain
For a more challenging hike, head to Flattop Mountain, located in Chugach State Park. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to spot wildlife, including moose and bears.
The Dena’ina people have traditionally used the area around Flattop Mountain for hunting and gathering. In fact, the mountain is home to several traditional Dena’ina campsites, which can be seen from the trail (Chugach National Forest, n.d.).
Suggested Driving/Walking Route
Here is a suggested driving and walking route for your Dena’ina heritage trail:
* Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center (start point)
* Ship Creek (Dgheyaytnu) – 0.5 miles, 10-minute walk
* Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – 6 miles, 2-hour walk
* Earthquake Park – 2 miles, 30-minute walk
* Westchester Lagoon (Chanshtnu) – 2 miles, 30-minute walk
* Eklutna Historical Park (day trip) – 45 minutes by car
* The Anchorage Museum – 10 minutes by car
* Alaska Native Heritage Center – 20 minutes by car
* Flattop Mountain – 4 miles, 2-hour hike
Practical Tips
* Be sure to check the hours and admission fees for each location before visiting.
* Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially on longer hikes.
* Respect the cultural sites and traditional areas, and do not remove any artifacts or leave any trash behind.
* Consider purchasing a Alaska Native Heritage Center membership, which includes admission to the center and other benefits.
Learn More
* Alaska Native Heritage Center:
* Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center:
* Eklutna Historical Park:
* Anchorage Museum:
* Chugach National Forest:
* University of Alaska Fairbanks:
Sources
* Alaska Native Heritage Center. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from
* Anchorage Museum. (n.d.). Alaska Native Galleries. Retrieved from
* Chugach National Forest. (n.d.). Flattop Mountain. Retrieved from
* Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from
* Eklutna Inc. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from
* Municipality of Anchorage. (n.d.). Westchester Lagoon. Retrieved from
* National Park Service. (n.d.). Ship Creek. Retrieved from
* University of Alaska Fairbanks. (n.d.). Dena’ina Language and Culture. Retrieved from