Alaskan Athabaskans facts for kids
Former Gwich’in Grand Chief Clarence Alexander
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 6,400 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Alaska | |
| Languages | |
| Northern Athabaskan languages, American English (Alaskan variant), Russian (historically and spoken by some) | |
| Religion | |
| Shamanism (largely ex), Christianity |
The Alaskan Athabascans, also known as Dena, are a group of Native Alaskan people. They speak languages from the Athabaskan language family. These people were the first to live in the interior parts of Alaska.
There are eleven main groups of Alaskan Athabascans. Each group is known by the language they speak. Some of these groups include the Dena’ina, Ahtna, Koyukon, and Gwich'in. The Athabascan culture is based on fishing in rivers and creeks. They also hunt and gather food from the land. The Dena'ina people living near Cook Inlet also fish in coastal waters.
Most Alaskan Athabascan groups follow a matrilineal system. This means children belong to their mother's family group or clan. This is different for the Holikachuk and Deg Hit'an groups, who were influenced by the Yupik people.
Long ago, these people called themselves Tinneh. Today, they often use the name Dena. This word simply means "men" or "people" in their own language.
Life and Culture of the Dena People
The Athabascan people hold special events called potlatches. These gatherings are very important for their religion, social life, and economy. They are a way to share wealth, celebrate, and honor important events.
Dogs were the only animals they kept as pets. These dogs were, and still are, a very important part of Athabascan culture. They helped with hunting, travel, and daily life.
Meet Notable Alaskan Athabascans
- George Attla (1933–2015) was a famous sprint dog musher. He won many races with his dog teams.
- Emil Notti is an engineer and Native rights activist. He played a key role in creating the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This act helped Native Alaskans gain rights to their land.
- Quinn Christopherson is a singer-songwriter. He won a major music contest in 2019. His songs often share his personal experiences.
- John Sackett (1944–2021) served in the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska Senate. He was a politician who helped make laws for Alaska.
- Michael J. Stickman was the First Chief of the Nuwato Tribal Council. He led his tribal community.
- Siobhan Wescott is a doctor and public health expert. She works to improve health for American Indian communities.
See also
- Tanana Athabascans
- The potlatch among Athabaskan peoples
- Tanana Chiefs Conference (all Alaskan Athabascans' [excl. Ahtna and Dena'ina] a territorial-level organization)
- Doyon, Limited
- Alaska Native Language Center
- Alaska Federation of Natives
- Shamanism among Alaska Natives
- Poldine Carlo
- Kathleen Carlo-Kendall
- Peter Kalifornsky
- Mary TallMountain
- Indian ice cream (Alaska)
- Athabascan fiddle
- Emil Notti
