Ahtna History & Culture
For thousands of years, the Ahtna Athabascan people have inhabited the Copper River Basin in south-central Alaska, living in harmony with the land, rivers, and wildlife.
The Land of the Copper River (Ahtna Nene)
"Ahtna" means "Ice People" or "People of the Copper River" (Ahtna Koht'aene). Our traditional territory encompasses over 20,000 square miles stretching from the Wrangell Mountains to the Talkeetna and Chugach ranges.
Prior to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971, eight traditional villages stewarded this sacred land. Today, Ahtna, Incorporated carries forward that sacred stewardship on behalf of our 2,200+ shareholders.
Traditional Values
Respect for Elders, self-sufficiency, sharing, and protection of natural resources guide our corporate mission daily.
Language Preservation
Active programs to record, teach, and preserve the traditional Ahtna Athabascan language across all dialect regions.
Customary & Traditional Use
Protecting subsistence hunting, fish wheel fishing, and berry picking access for future generations.