Stories

After years of planning, the tribe has officially opened an optometry program at the Dena’ina Wellness Center.
The program, managed by Dr. Will Phillips, began serving un’ina earlier this year.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to start a new program and help provide a much needed service,” Phillips said. “It’s good to be able to provide the service, and there’s definitely a need for it.”
The program offers examinations, contact lens fitting, Read More

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe officially opened the 2017 Educational Fishery on May 1, welcoming scores of tribal members to the fishery site in Kenai for a day-long celebration that included food, music, dancing and time around the fire.
It’s the 28th year the tribe has operated the fishery along the shores of Cook Inlet, Tikahtnu, near the mouth of the Kenai River. No salmon came to the net, but that didn’t dampen the mood on season’s opening day. Read More

In this video, Mary Lou Bottorff, an Elder with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, talks about how gathering, preparing and sharing traditional Alaska Native food helps promote health and wellness. She volunteers her time to the tribe’s youth, elders and wellness programs and helps organize a monthly traditional foods potluck.
Tribal Elder Alexandra “Sasha” Lindgren explains how the tribe is working with researchers to better understand how the tribe’s traditional diet of salmon helps to connect Dena’ina people from the past, Read More

Native Youth Olympics Invitational celebrates five years as part of the Peninsula Winter Games

When he was called to the stage during an awards ceremony at the 2017 Native Youth Olympics Invitational, Joseph Whittom didn’t believe his ears.
“When they called my name, I was super surprised. I was like, wait, did they say that right? I was amazed,” Whittom recalled. “When I went up there, I wasn’t smiling at first and my mom looked at me and was like, Read More

Native Youth Olympics planned Jan. 20 to 22 in Kenai

The 2017 Native Youth Olympics Invitational is scheduled for Jan. 20 to 22 at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai. The tribe’s Yaghanen Youth Program will host the event as part of the annual Peninsula Winter Games.
The NYO competition features traditional events such as the seal hop, kneel jump and one-foot high kick, among others. Sportsmanship is valued over results as teams from across Alaska compete in junior and senior divisions. Read More

Henu’ Community Wellness Court to serve residents across central Kenai Peninsula

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe has officially entered a historic government-to-government partnership with the Alaska Court System, signing an agreement to create a joint-jurisdiction state-tribal therapeutic court that will serve people across the central Kenai Peninsula later this year.
Representatives of the tribe, state court and the Office of the Attorney General signed the agreement Thursday afternoon in Courtroom 203 of the Rabinowitz Courthouse in downtown Fairbanks. Read More

Elders support Elders through tribe’s Senior Companion Program

Laura Hobson and Nancy Nelson walked into the store, one after the other, and began peering at the collection of antiques.
“Oh, this is pretty,” said Hobson, pointing to a lamp.
“Look at this,” said Nelson, running her hand along the edge of a handheld mirror.
The women stayed close, a few strides apart, slowly moving past rows of lamps, figurines and dishes. Read More

Tribe hosts 4th Annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk to benefit CASA program

It’s not every day that 13-year-old Jaron Kenner gets to dress up as Star Wars hero Hans Solo.
So when he had the chance to participate in the tribe’s 4th Annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk – which not only allows superhero costumes, but encourages them – he wasn’t about to turn it down.
Even if it meant running to a finish line far, Read More

4th Annual CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk scheduled for Aug. 20

Get ready to channel your inner superhero.
The 4th Annual CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. The race begins and ends at the Tribal Courthouse in Old Town Kenai.
“It’s a great time to have families get together and enjoy our beautiful state of Alaska,” said Thia Peters, the tribe’s CASA program coordinator. Read More

Dena’ina Wellness Center uses special tape to ease pain, increase mobility

When Alexandra “Sasha” Lindgren went to the hospital because of lower-body pain so severe she couldn’t walk, she faced the possibility of needing a wheelchair.
A torn left meniscus and lymphedema growth under the same knee, plus anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) issues, had left her nearly immobilized.
Compounding those difficulties, Lindgren admits she is overweight.
“You can’t lose weight if you can’t exercise, Read More