Traditional Land Use of the Anchorage Area by the Dena’ina
The Dena’ina Athabascan people have called the area now known as Anchorage home for thousands of years. Their traditional land use practices were deeply connected to the natural environment and the abundant resources that the region provided. In this article, we will explore the history of Dena’ina land use in the Anchorage area, from the Dgheyaytnu (Ship Creek) area to the Chanshtnu (Westchester Lagoon) and beyond.
Dgheyaytnu (Ship Creek) – Fish Traps and Salmon Camps
One of the most significant Dena’ina settlements in the Anchorage area was located at Dgheyaytnu, also known as Ship Creek. This area, which is now part of the city of Anchorage, was an important fishing spot for the Dena’ina. They built fish traps and salmon camps along the creek, which provided a reliable source of food for the community.
“The Dena’ina people have been coming to Ship Creek for thousands of years to fish and gather food… This place is special to us because it’s been passed down through generations.” – NPS
Chanshtnu (Westchester Lagoon)
Another important Dena’ina settlement in the Anchorage area was located at Chanshtnu, which is now known as Westchester Lagoon. This area was an important gathering spot for the Dena’ina, who came to collect berries, fish, and other food sources.
Eklutna – One of the Oldest Settlements
Eklutna is one of the oldest Dena’ina settlements in the Anchorage area. This village was established over 2,000 years ago and was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. Today, Eklutna is a thriving Native American community that continues to practice traditional ways of life.
“Eklutna is a very special place for us… It’s where our ancestors lived and where our culture was born.” – Eklutna Inc.
Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm Dena’ina Place Names
The Dena’ina people have left their mark on the Anchorage area through their place names. Knik Arm, which is a large body of water that connects to Cook Inlet, is named after the Dena’ina word “Knik,” which means “big river.” Turnagain Arm, which is a narrow body of water that connects to Cook Inlet, is named after the Dena’ina phrase “Turn-again Arm,” which refers to the fact that the water flows back into Cook Inlet during high tide.
Seasonal Rounds
The Dena’ina people had a deep understanding of the natural environment and the resources that it provided. They practiced a seasonal round, where they would move to different areas of the region at different times of the year to take advantage of the available food sources. In the spring, they would set up fish camps along the rivers and streams to catch salmon and other fish. In the summer, they would gather berries on the hillside and fish in the lakes and rivers. In the fall, they would hunt moose in the Chugach foothills and collect roots and other plant foods. In the winter, they would trap animals and collect berries that were preserved for the winter months.
The Trail System
The Dena’ina people developed a complex trail system that connected the different areas of the region. This trail system, which was built over thousands of years, is still used today by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, many of the trails that make up the Chugach State Park and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail were originally built by the Dena’ina people.
“The Dena’ina people were skilled hunters and gatherers who developed a deep understanding of the natural environment… Their trail system is a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness.” – Municipality of Anchorage Heritage Land Bank
Tikahtnu (Cook Inlet) and its Tidal Resources
Tikahtnu, which is the Dena’ina word for Cook Inlet, was an important source of food for the Dena’ina people. The tidal resources of the inlet provided a reliable source of clams, mussels, and other shellfish, which were an important part of the Dena’ina diet.
The Transformation from Dena’ina Homeland to Military Base to City
The Dena’ina people’s homeland was transformed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the area was settled by Europeans and the military base was established. The construction of the Seward Highway and the development of the city of Anchorage had a profound impact on the Dena’ina people and their way of life.
Every Hiker Walks on Dena’ina Trails
Today, every hiker who walks through the Chugach State Park or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is walking on Dena’ina trails. The Dena’ina people’s trail system is a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness, and it continues to be an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about the Dena’ina people and their traditional land use practices, there are several resources available:
* Eklutna Inc. is a Native American corporation that is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Eklutna people.
* Cook Inlet Region Inc. is a Native American corporation that is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Dena’ina people.
* Alaska Native Heritage Center is a museum that is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Alaska’s Native peoples.
Sources
* National Park Service
* Municipality of Anchorage Heritage Land Bank
* Eklutna Inc.
* Cook Inlet Region Inc.
* University of Alaska Fairbanks
* Alaska Native Heritage Center