Denakkanaaga
Voice of the Elders
Denakkanaaga means ‘Our People Speak’
in Koyukon-Athabascan.
Denakkanaaga, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that serves as the voice for Native Elders of Interior Alaska. As Native Elders speak out on social and cultural issues, passing on their traditions, language, skills, stories and values, Denakkanaaga acts on their behalf by following up on directives set forth by them.
Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp 2025
Application Period Now Open!
The 2025 Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp will take place August 19 - 22 at the Howard Luke Gaalee'ya Spirit Camp on the Tanana River. This will be the fourth Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp held in partnership by Denakkanaaga and the University of Alaska Fairbanks and made possible by a grant from the Office of Minority Health through the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity and the Center for Alaska Native Health Research. Grant #A24-0017-S007.
The camp allows elders to learn and share their traditional Native activities and celebrate Native traditions, values, and skills. It also provides an opportunity for elders who were disconnected from their culture and languages due to various reasons, to come together in a safe place to heal and connect without criticism or judgement.
Due to overwhelming interest, a lottery will be used to select participants this year. Native elders 55 and older from Interior Alaska are welcome to complete the application on the link below. If elders are unable to apply online, they may call Denakkanaaga at 907-451-3900 and we'll be happy to help them fill out the form over the phone.
Forty-five elder names will then be drawn from all applicants on August 1, 2025, at 1 pm on a live Facebook feed on the Denakkanaaga Facebook page. This year we will be able to fly in several elders from Interior villages to attend! The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025.
First Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert
Second Traditional Chief Andrew Jimmie
Denakkanaaga honors our region’s First Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village and Second Traditional Chief Andrew Jimmie of Minto.
Selected by Elders at the Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference, these esteemed leaders have great knowledge about the traditions, customs, and Native way of life of the tribes within Interior Alaska. They provide guidance on issues impacting the region’s Native communities and offer words of wisdom at many gatherings and meetings throughout the year. Once selected, the First and Second Traditional Chiefs serve in these capacities for life.
- Trimble Gilbert photo courtesy of Tanana Chiefs Conference
Check our our latest video:
Mending the Net: Alaska Native Elders Mentoring Elders
About Denakkanaaga
As Native Elders speak out on social and cultural issues, passing on their traditions, language, skills, stories and values, Denakkanaaga acts on their behalf by following up on directives set forth by them.
Our Programs
Denakkanaaga’s programs and operations are made possible by the support of major funders, such as Doyon, Limited. Denakkanaaga thanks Doyon, Limited for their continued annual support of our region’s Elders and youth!
Denakkanaaga is pleased to collaborate with the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and Tanana Chiefs Conference on cultural programs. Each month programs will be presented centered on seasonal themes and feature respected Elders and leaders from the Native community.
2025 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference and Annual Meeting
The 2025 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference will take place on June 3 and 4, 2025 in conjunction with the Denakkanaaga Annual Meeting on June 5, 2025, in Galena, Alaska.
The theme of this year's conference is "Strength in Unity: Standing Together for Our People".
Two elder board seats are up for election this year; Seat C: Fairbanks, North Star Borough, and Seat E: Lower Yukon. The board's youth representative seat will also be voted on.
For more information, please call Denakkanaaga at 907-451-3900.
Elder Artwork
We are pleased to assist our region’s Elders and artists in selling their traditional and contemporary artwork through a monthly pop-up sale. Items include moose hide slippers, beaded scissor cases, barrettes, pins, purses, necklaces, earrings and much, much more!
The pop-up sale is held at Denakkanaaga on the second Friday of every month, except for March.
"Go Forward with Power. Respect the land, people, and animals. Carry on our traditions, values and cultures."
- Roy David, Tok Elder