Anchorage Partners With Indigenous Communities on Heritage Trail Project

Introduction

In recent years, Anchorage, Alaska, has embarked on a significant cultural initiative aimed at honoring and revitalizing the Indigenous heritage of the region. The Indigenous Place Names Project, launched in 2018, seeks to reassert the traditional Dena’ina Athabaskan names for various landmarks and geographical features throughout the city. This endeavor not only acknowledges the deep-rooted presence of Indigenous peoples but also fosters a broader understanding of the area’s history and cultural significance.

The Dena’ina People and Their Connection to Anchorage

The Dena’ina Athabaskan people have inhabited the Anchorage area for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the land is reflected in the names they have given to its features. These names are descriptive, often highlighting the natural characteristics or historical events associated with a particular place. For instance, the Dena’ina name for Cook Inlet is Tikahtnu, meaning “big water river,” which aptly describes the inlet’s vastness and significance to the community.

Historically, the Dena’ina people’s presence in Anchorage was obscured by the influx of settlers and the subsequent development of the city. Many residents were unaware of the Indigenous roots of the area, leading to a loss of cultural identity and recognition. This gap in understanding prompted efforts to reclaim and celebrate the Dena’ina heritage through the Indigenous Place Names Project.

Project Overview and Objectives

The Indigenous Place Names Project aims to install 32 interpretive signs throughout Anchorage, each highlighting a specific Dena’ina place name. These signs are designed to educate the public about the original Indigenous names and their meanings, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s history and cultural diversity.

The project is a collaborative effort involving several key partners:

• Anchorage Park Foundation: Serving as the host organization, the foundation provides logistical support and coordination for the project.
• Native Village of Eklutna: Representing the Dena’ina community, this tribal government plays a crucial role in ensuring cultural accuracy and authenticity.
• Anchorage Museum: Offering historical context and educational resources to complement the project.
• Rasmuson Foundation: Providing financial support to facilitate the project’s implementation.
• Alaska Native Heritage Center: Contributing expertise in Indigenous culture and heritage preservation.

These partners work together to ensure that the project accurately reflects the Dena’ina culture and serves as a meaningful educational tool for residents and visitors alike.

Significance of the Project

The Indigenous Place Names Project holds profound significance on multiple levels:

1. Cultural Revitalization: By reintroducing traditional Dena’ina place names, the project helps revitalize the language and cultural practices associated with these names. This revitalization contributes to the preservation of the Dena’ina heritage for future generations.
2. Educational Impact: The interpretive signs serve as educational tools that inform the public about the Indigenous history of Anchorage. They provide context and narratives that enrich the understanding of the city’s development and cultural landscape.
3. Community Empowerment: The project empowers the Dena’ina community by giving them a platform to share their history and culture. It fosters a sense of pride and ownership among community members and promotes cultural awareness among the broader population.
4. Historical Acknowledgment: The project acknowledges the historical erasure of Indigenous presence in Anchorage. By reinstating traditional place names, it corrects historical omissions and provides a more accurate representation of the city’s past.

Notable Installations

Several interpretive signs have been installed as part of the project, each highlighting a significant Dena’ina place name:

• Nuch’ishtunt (Point Woronzof): Meaning “the place protected from the wind,” this sign is located along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The area was historically used by the Dena’ina for seasonal salmon fishing camps, a practice that ceased in the 1950s due to federal restrictions on commercial fishing in the area.
• Chanshtnu (Chester Creek): Translating to “grassy creek,” this name is featured at two locations: Westchester Lagoon and Chanshtnu Muldoon Park. The name reflects the lush vegetation and natural beauty of the area.
• Hkatidali (Potter Marsh): This name describes the driftwood that accumulates along the tidal flats of the marsh. The installation at this site was dedicated on Indigenous People’s Day in October 2022, underscoring the project’s commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage.
• Dghelishla (Mount Susitna): Known as “little mountain,” this Dena’ina name contrasts with the larger Denali, referred to as “Big Mountain.” Mount Susitna holds cultural significance for the Dena’ina people, serving as a prominent landmark and a place of mourning to remember the departed.

Community Engagement and Cultural Celebrations

The unveiling of each interpretive sign is accompanied by community events that celebrate Dena’ina culture. These events include traditional dances, storytelling sessions, and speeches by community leaders. For example, at the unveiling of the Nuch’ishtunt signpost at Point Woronzof, members of the Ida’ina K’eljeshna (Friendship Dancers) performed traditional dances, and Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna, shared personal anecdotes about the importance of recognizing Indigenous presence in Anchorage.

These celebrations not only honor the Dena’ina heritage but also foster a sense of community and inclusivity. They provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with Indigenous culture in meaningful ways and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Support and Funding

The success of the Indigenous Place Names Project is attributed to the generous support from various organizations. In October 2023, the Mellon Foundation awarded a $1.7 million grant to the Anchorage Park Foundation to continue the project. This funding is part of the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project, which aims to transform the nation’s commemorative landscape by supporting public projects that reflect the breadth and complexity of American stories and communities.

The grant enables the project to expand its reach, ensuring that more culturally significant sites are recognized and celebrated. It also underscores the commitment of philanthropic organizations to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation and education.

Broader Implications and Future Directions

The Indigenous Place Names Project is part of a larger movement to reassert Indigenous names and narratives across the United States and beyond. Similar initiatives are underway in other regions, aiming to correct historical omissions and promote cultural awareness. For instance, the renaming of North America’s tallest peak from “Mount McKinley” to its original Koyukon name, Denali, reflects a broader recognition of Indigenous naming practices and cultural significance.

Looking ahead, the Anchorage project plans to install additional interpretive signs, further expanding the recognition of Dena’ina heritage throughout the city. The continued success of the project relies on ongoing community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and sustained funding to ensure its impact and longevity.