Elmendorf honors Dena’ina heritage

  • Published
  • By Jon Scudder
  • 3rd Wing Native Liaison
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- --  Elmendorf officials honored the Dena'ina Alaska Native people when it unveiled "Dena'ina Road" during a road dedication ceremony held here in October 2007. 

"We understand the sacrifices the Dena'ina people have made to support this nation to include providing the land that is today known as Elmendorf Air Force Base," said Brig. Gen. Tom Tinsley, 3rd Wing commander. 

Native Village of Eklutna President Dorothy Cook unveiled the sign during the ceremony. In her remarks, she thanked the base and Port of Anchorage staffs for their efforts in honoring their heritage. 

The Dena'ina name resulted from considerable government-to-government consultation and deviated from the established policy of naming base roads for military heroes and campaigns. 

"By recognizing the Dena'ina people, we are bringing awareness to present and future base personnel about the heritage of this land and its Native people," General Tinsley said. The historical site near the road, Tak'at, was a Dena'ina summer fish camp. 

The road, which is currently being used to haul gravel in support of the expansion of the Port of Anchorage, will eventually serve as a secure logistics gateway from the base to the port. 

Dignitaries participating in the ceremony were William Sheffield, director of Port of Anchorage and former Alaska governor; Ms. Cook; Michael Carter, director of the Office of Environment at the Maritime Administration; and General Tinsley.