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 2026 Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open for elders to attend the 2026 Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp! The camp will take place July 7-10 at the Howard Luke Gaalee'ya Camp on the Tanana River and focus on white fish.
Elders who do not know their traditional ways will be taught by those who do, in a safe and healing environment. To register, elders must be 55 and older, from the TCC/Doyon region, commit to attending all four days and complete the following form https://forms.gle/xd2WKFnWNqyjAnfq5 .
Elders may sleep over at the camp or be transported daily between Fairbanks and the camp. This year students ages 12 to 18 will also be attending to learn from the elders. The deadline for registering is June 19th. If you needed assistance filling out the form, please call Denakkanaaga at 907-451-3900.
Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp 2026 Village Scholarships
Two scholarships for village elders desiring to attend the Denakkanaaga Elders Mentoring Elders Culture Camp are available. To be considered, elders must be 55 and older, a resident of one of Interior Alaska's villages in the Doyon/TCC region, and commit to attending all four days. Elders will be staying at the camp. Scholarships will cover transportation from their village to Fairbanks and back home, and per diem if needed. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the form https://forms.gle/WTPKA3E7zVTGyyr46. The deadline is June 19th.
If you need assistance filling out the form, please call Denakkanaaga at 907-451-3900.
The drawing for the two scholarships will be done on June 23 at 11:30 am live on Denakkanaaga's Facebook page.
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
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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 and Tanana Chiefs Conference. Denakkanaaga thanks Doyon, Limited and Tanana Chiefs Conference 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, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, University of Alaska Fairbanks and others on cultural programs. Each month programs will be presented centered on seasonal themes and feature respected Elders and leaders from the Native community. The programs include elders sharing their knowledge and wisdom with others to help continue traditional Native ways, and educating the general public about the Native cultures of Interior Alaska.
Elder Artwork
We are pleased to assist our region's Elders and artists in selling their traditional and contemporary Native artwork through a monthly pop-up sale and at the Denakkanaaga Gift Shop. 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. The Denakkanaaga Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information on the monthly sale or gift shop, please call Denakkanaaga at 907-451-3900.
"Go Forward with Power. Respect the land, people, and animals. Carry on our traditions, values and cultures."
- Roy David, Tok Elder