Tribe’s emblem gets an update

Kenaitze Indian Tribal Members and employees will soon have a new Tribal seal and updated logo adorning their correspondence and clothing.

Tribal Council Members recently unveiled the new seal. The most significant change is the addition of the Kenai River and Cook Inlet to the design. Tribal Council Chairperson Wayne D. Wilson Jr. said that is important for the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina.

“That’s the biggest thing – because we’re the River People,” Wilson said.

The current seal came into use in 2008 and was based on the Tribal Court seal, which was first used after the court was established in 1986. The seal was inspired by the Tribe’s original flag, which was designed by Tribal Member Elsie Maillelle in 1972.

The new Tribal seal maintains the elements from the previous version. It depicts Yaghanen, the Good Land. Mount Redoubt represents the strength, endurance and steadfastness of the Kenaitze people. The splashing salmon represents the spirit of the Kenaitze people. The snowshoes show that the Kenaitze people continue to walk with surety on the Earth.

The river means forever, and its representation is enhanced in the new design.

Also in the new design is Kalgin Island, and the seal gives the impression that it’s springtime, with green in the landscape but some snow still left on the ground.

The coloration along the side of the salmon is a traditional Dena’ina bead pattern.

Wilson said Kalgin Island was added because it’s what you see when you look toward Mount Redoubt from the bluff in Kenai.

“When you look out, you see Redoubt and you see Kalgin Island, and you think of home,” Wilson said.

Discussions to update the Tribe’s seal grew out of a request to create a new logo for a Tribal program. The number of different logos currently being used was brought to the Council’s attention, and a decision was made to make things uniform across the Tribe’s operations. One of the goals is for each program to be easily identified as a Kenaitze Indian Tribe program.

Tribal Council Members worked together with the Tribe’s graphic designer, Charles Atkins, to create the new seal.

“It was a group effort to come up with the final product,” Wilson said.

The Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina logo, which depicts three volcanoes and includes the Tribe’s Mission “to assure the Kahtnuht’ana thrive forever,” was also updated. Two versions were created, one that will look good on light colored material, and one for dark colored material.

The Council also approved a new standardized business card for all employees.