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.
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 Out Our Latest Videos:
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.
2026 Elders and Youth Conference and Annual Meeting
The 2026 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference will take place on June 2 and 3, 2026 in conjunction with the Denakkanaaga Annual Meeting on June 4, 2026, in Fort Yukon, Alaska.
Three elder board seats are up for election in 2026; Seat B: Yukon-Koyukuk; Seat F: Upper Tanana and Seat D: Yukon Flats. 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 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