Tanaina Tribe

The Tanaina have lived in the south central Alaska region for thousands of years.

They are the original inhabitants of the south central Alaska region, ranging from Seldovia in the south to Chickaloon in the northeast, Talkeetna in the north, Lime Village in the northwest and Pedro Bay in the southwest.

The Tanaina homeland (Denaʼina Ełnena) is more than 41,000 square miles in area.

The Tanaina live in a variety of villages and communities in the south central Alaska region. Some of the largest Tanaina villages include:

    • Kenai
    • Soldotna
    • Sterling
    • Chickaloon
    • Talkeetna
    • Lime Village
    • Pedro Bay

The Tanaina are an Athabaskan-speaking indigenous people of Alaska.

Tanaina Culture

Religion:


The Tanaina religion is based on animism, the belief that all things in nature have spirits. The  believe that these spirits can be good or evil, and that they can influence the lives of humans.

They have a number of religious rituals and ceremonies. One of the most important is the potlatch, a feast and gift-giving ceremony that is used to celebrate important events such as births, marriages, and deaths. The potlatch is also used to reaffirm social ties and to strengthen the community.

The Tanaina also have a number of religious beliefs and practices that are related to the natural world. For example, they believe that the bear is a sacred animal, and that it is important to treat bears with respect. They also believe that the land is a gift from the spirits, and that it is important to take care of the land.

The Tanaina religion has also been influenced by other cultures over time, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Protestant churches. However, the Tanaina have maintained their own unique religious traditions, and their religion continues to play an important role in their lives.

Food

The Tanaina people are an indigenous people of Alaska who have a rich and diverse cuisine. Their food is based on the natural resources of their homeland, which includes the mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline of south central Alaska.

The Tanaina diet is based on fishing, hunting, and gathering. They eat a variety of fish, game, and wild plants. Some of their favorite foods include:

    • Salmon: Salmon is a staple food of the Tanaina people. They catch salmon in the rivers and streams of their homeland, and they smoke, dry, and can the fish for later use.
    • Caribou: Caribou is another important food source for the Tanaina people. They hunt caribou in the mountains and forests, and they use the meat, fat, and hides for food, clothing, and shelter.
    • Moose: Moose is a large game animal that is found in the forests of south central Alaska. The Tanaina people hunt moose for meat, and they also use the antlers for tools and the hide for clothing.
    • Berries: Berries are a plentiful food source in the summer months. The Tanaina people gather berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries, and they use them to make pies, jams, and jellies.
    • Wild plants: The Tanaina people also gather wild plants such as greens, mushrooms, and roots. They use these plants to make soups, stews, and salads.

The Tanaina people are skilled at preparing and preserving their food. They smoke, dry, and can fish and game, and they freeze and ferment berries and wild plants. This allows them to have a variety of food available throughout the year.

Clothing:

Their clothing is an important part of their culture and is made from natural materials such as animal skins, furs, and cedar bark.

Tanaina clothing is designed to be warm and practical, and it is often decorated with intricate designs.

Men and women both wear similar clothing, which typically consists of a tunic, trousers, and moccasins. In cold weather, they would add mittens, parkas, and fur caps.

All of these clothing articles were frequently decorated with feathers and porcupine quills.

Tanaina clothing is made from a variety of materials, including:

    • Animal skins: The most common material used for Tanaina clothing is animal skins. They use the hides of animals such as caribou, moose, and bear to make tunics, trousers, and parkas.
    • Furs: Furs were also used to make clothing, particularly in the winter. They would use the fur of animals such as beaver, fox, and wolf to make hats, mittens, and boots.
    • Cedar bark: Cedar bark was used to make a type of cloth called “tapa.” Tapa was used to make shirts, skirts, and blankets.

Tanaina clothing is decorated with a variety of designs, including geometric patterns, animal figures, and flowers. The designs are often created using dyes made from natural materials such as berries, roots, and flowers.

Art:

Tanaina art is based on their connection to the land and their culture, and it is often used to tell stories, commemorate events, and express emotions.

Tanaina art forms include:

    • Basketry: Tanaina basketry is made from cedar bark and is often decorated with geometric patterns and animal figures. Baskets were used for a variety of purposes, including carrying food, storing goods, and transporting water.
    • Carving: Tanaina carving is done in a variety of materials, including wood, bone, and ivory. Carvings often depict animals, birds, and other natural forms. They were also used to create masks, totem poles, and other ceremonial objects.
    • Painting: Tanaina painting is done on a variety of surfaces, including wood, hide, and canvas. Paintings often depict animals, landscapes, and other natural scenes. They were also used to create ceremonial objects, such as drums and masks.
    • Jewelry: Tanaina jewelry is made from a variety of materials, including beads, feathers, and animal teeth. Jewelry was often used to decorate clothing and to indicate social status.
    • Music: Tanaina music is based on a pentatonic scale and is often accompanied by singing and dancing. Music is used for a variety of purposes, including storytelling, celebrating events, and communicating with the spirit world.

Here are some of the key aspects of Tanaina art:

    • Connection to the land: Tanaina art is based on their connection to the land. They use natural materials and motifs in their art, and they often depict animals and plants that are found in their homeland.
    • Culture: Tanaina art is also influenced by their culture. They use symbols and designs that have meaning to them, and they often create art for ceremonial purposes.
    • Creativity: Tanaina art is a way for them to express their creativity and individuality. They use a variety of techniques and materials, and they often experiment with new ideas.

Tanaina art is a beautiful and unique expression of their culture and heritage. It is a valuable part of the history and culture of Alaska.

History

Contact with Europeans

The first Europeans to come in contact with the Tanaina were the Russians. In 1741, a Russian expedition led by Vitus Bering landed on the coast of Alaska and made contact with the Tanaina people. The Russians were interested in the fur trade, and they soon began to establish trading posts in the Tanaina homeland.

The contact between the Tanaina and the Russians was not always peaceful. The Russians often exploited the Tanaina, and they brought diseases that killed many people. However, the Tanaina also learned from the Russians, and they adopted some of their technology and customs.

The contact between the Tanaina and the Russians had a profound impact on both cultures. The Tanaina were forced to adapt to a new way of life, and they lost much of their traditional culture. However, they also benefited from the contact with the Russians, and they were able to improve their standard of living.

Here are some of the key events since the contact between the Tanaina and the Russians:

    • 1741: Vitus Bering lands on the coast of Alaska and makes contact with the Tanaina people.
    • 1784: The Russians establish the first permanent trading post in the Tanaina homeland.
    • 1867: The United States purchases Alaska from Russia.
    • 1912: The Tanaina are granted federal recognition.
    • 1971: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is passed.

The 20th century

The Tanaina people experienced a number of changes during the 20th century. They were forced to adapt to a new way of life, and they lost much of their traditional culture. However, they also benefited from contact with the outside world, and they were able to improve their standard of living.

Here are some of the key events that happened to the Tanaina during the 20th century:

    • 1912: The Tanaina are granted federal recognition.
    • 1924: The Alaska Natives Reorganization Act is passed. This act gave Alaska Natives the right to form their own governments and to own land.
    • 1940s: The Tanaina are recruited to work in the construction of the Alaska Highway. This was a major project that helped to connect Alaska to the rest of the United States.
    • 1950s: The Tanaina are recruited to work in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This was another major project that helped to improve the economy of Alaska.
    • 1971: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is passed. This act gave Alaska Natives $962.5 million and 44 million acres of land. This was a major victory for the Tanaina and other Alaska Natives.

The 21st century:

The Tanaina people have experienced a number of significant events in the 21st century. Some of the most notable events include:

    • 2002: The Tanaina established the Tanaina Athabascan Community College. This college provides educational opportunities for Tanaina people of all ages.
    • 2005: The Tanaina established the Tanaina Athabascan Language Center. This center is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Tanaina language.
    • 2010: The Tanaina were awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support their cultural programs. This grant has helped the Tanaina to preserve their traditional arts and culture.
    • 2015: The Tanaina established the Tanaina Athabascan Heritage Center. This center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Tanaina culture with the public.
    • 2020: The Tanaina were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused widespread economic disruption and health challenges for the Tanaina community.

Despite the challenges they have faced, the Tanaina people have continued to thrive in the 21st century. They have made great strides in preserving their culture and language, and they are working to improve their standard of living and to build a better future for their children.

Current Status

Population

According to the 2020 United States Census, there are approximately 2,500 Tanaina people in Alaska.

The Tanaina people are divided into three main groups: the Susitna Tanaina, the Kenai Tanaina, and the Upper Kuskokwim Tanaina. Each group has its own distinct culture and language.

The Susitna Tanaina live in the Susitna River valley, the Kenai Tanaina live in the Kenai Peninsula, and the Upper Kuskokwim Tanaina live in the Upper Kuskokwim River valley.

Government

The Tanaina people are a federally recognized tribe and have a government-to-government relationship with the United States government.

The Tanaina government is based on the traditional Tanaina system of government, which is a council-based system. The Tanaina Tribal Council is the governing body of the Tanaina people.

The Tribal Council is made up of elected representatives from each of the three Tanaina villages: Susitna, Kenai, and Upper Kuskokwim.

The Tribal Council is responsible for making laws, ordinances, and resolutions for the Tanaina people. The Tribal Council is also responsible for managing the Tanaina’s land and resources.

The Tanaina government is committed to providing quality services to its members. The Tanaina government offers a variety of services, including:

    • Education: The Tanaina government operates a K-12 school system for its members.
    • Health care: The Tanaina government operates a health clinic for its members.
    • Housing: The Tanaina government provides housing assistance to its members.
    • Economic development: The Tanaina government supports economic development projects that benefit its members.
    • Social services: The Tanaina government provides social services to its members, such as child care, food assistance, and transportation assistance.

The Tanaina government is committed to working with the United States government and other organizations to improve the lives of its members.

Economy

The economy of the Tanaina people is built around subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. The Tanaina people have traditionally been hunters, gatherers, and fishermen.

They have a deep knowledge of the plants and animals that live in Alaska and have developed a variety of methods for harvesting and processing food. The Tanaina people also have a long tradition of trade with other Native American tribes and with European settlers.

Today, the Tanaina economy is also based on a variety of wage-based jobs, including government employment, tourism, and the oil and gas industry. The Tanaina people are also involved in a variety of economic development projects, such as the development of a tribally owned and operated casino.

The Tanaina people are working to build a strong and sustainable economy that will benefit all members of the community. They are committed to preserving their traditional culture and way of life, while also taking advantage of the opportunities that the modern world has to offer.

The Tanaina people are working to build a strong and sustainable economy that will benefit all members of the community. They are committed to preserving their traditional culture and way of life, while also taking advantage of the opportunities that the modern world has to offer.

Education

The Tanaina people have a variety of education opportunities available to them. The Tanaina Athabascan Community College (TACC) is a tribal college that offers a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs. TACC also offers a variety of cultural and language programs.

The Tanaina people also have access to public schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District has a number of schools that offer programs that are specifically designed for Alaska Native students.

The Tanaina people also have access to a number of scholarships and financial aid programs. The Tanaina Tribal Council offers a number of scholarships to Tanaina students who are pursuing post-secondary education. The United States Department of Education also offers a number of scholarships and financial aid programs to Alaska Native students.

The Tanaina people are committed to providing quality education opportunities for their children. They are working to ensure that their children have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

Health

The Tanaina people have access to a variety of healthcare services, including:

    • Tanaina Health Center: The Tanaina Health Center is a tribally owned and operated health clinic that provides primary care services to Tanaina members. The clinic also offers a variety of preventive health services, such as immunizations and health screenings.
    • Matanuska-Susitna Borough Health Department: The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Health Department provides a variety of healthcare services to residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, including Tanaina members. The health department offers a variety of primary care services, as well as a variety of specialty services, such as mental health services and dental services.
    • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of healthcare services to Alaska Natives. ANTHC operates a number of hospitals and clinics throughout Alaska, including a clinic in the Tanaina village of Susitna.
    • Indian Health Service: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency that provides healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHS operates a number of hospitals and clinics throughout Alaska, including a clinic in the Tanaina village of Kenai.

The Tanaina people are also eligible for a variety of federal and state healthcare programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare. These programs can help to cover the cost of healthcare services for Tanaina members.

FAQ

What is the Tanaina Tribe?

The Tanaina Tribe is an Alaskan Native Athabaskan people. They are the original inhabitants of the south central Alaska region ranging from Seldovia in the south to Chickaloon in the northeast, Talkeetna in the north, Lime Village in the northwest and Pedro Bay in the southwest. The Tanaina homeland (Denaʼina Ełnena) is more than 41,000 square miles in area.

Where do the Tanaina live?

The Tanaina live in the south central Alaska region, along the Cook Inlet and its tributaries. They have a long history of living in this area, and their culture is deeply connected to the land.

What is the Tanaina language?

The Tanaina language is an Athabaskan language. It is spoken by about 1,000 people, most of whom are fluent in English as well. The Tanaina language is a living language, and it is used in everyday life, in schools, and in government.

What is Tanaina culture like?

Tanaina culture is a rich and complex culture. It is based on a deep connection to the land, and it is influenced by the cultures of other Native Alaskan peoples, as well as by the cultures of European settlers.