Alaskan Athabaskans

Imagine a group of people who have lived in the amazing, snowy lands of Alaska for a super long time! These are the Alaskan Athabaskans, also known as the Dena. Their name, 'Dena,' simply means 'people' or 'men' in their own special language.

They are the original inhabitants of the vast interior of Alaska, a place with huge forests and icy rivers. They have a deep connection to this land, which has been their home for generations.

The Dena people live in the interior of Alaska, a place that can be very cold and snowy, especially in winter. Think of a place much bigger than your whole school playground, filled with trees and rivers that sometimes freeze over! They have learned to live with the cold and the snow, finding food and shelter in this wild environment.

Their homeland is a beautiful but challenging place, and they are experts at living there.

Did you know that the Dena people used to call themselves 'Tinneh'? That's another word from their language that means 'people.' It's like how you have your own name and your family has a name! The name 'Athabaskan' is what other people started calling them.

It's important to remember that 'Dena' is the name they use for themselves, showing pride in who they are. It's like saying 'We are the people!'

The Dena people are known for being very resourceful and skilled. They have learned to hunt animals like moose and caribou for food and warm clothing. They also know how to find plants and berries to eat. Their knowledge of the land and its resources has helped them survive and thrive in Alaska for a very, very long time. They are true masters of their environment.