Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina
Tribal Narratives and Kenaitze News
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe continues to develop plans for a fixed-route bus service on the central Kenai Peninsula. The Tribe is seeking feedback from the community on its current proposal.
Please submit comments on the project in the form below. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe appreciates your feedback. Comments should be submitted by Dec. 15, 2023.
The comment period closed Dec. 15, 2023. Chiqinik - thank you - for providing your feedback.
Kenaitze Administration • (907) 335-7200
Dena'ina Wellness Center • (907) 335-7500
Education and College and Career Support • (907) 335-7667
Tyotkas Elder Services • (907) 335-7280
Na’ini Family and Social Services • (907) 335-7600
Kenaitze Tribal Court • (907) 335-7219
Shannon provides crisis intervention services, integrated behavioral health assessments, and individual psychotherapy services for adolescents and adults.
Shannon was born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula and it is with deep humility and gratitude that she hopes to help the community through her work at the Chuq’eya Qenq’a Birch Tree House.
Shannon’s approach to working with un’ina, “those who come to us,” is holistic, collaborative, and creative, with a focus on providing a safe and encouraging space for healing and growth.
Shannon earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Alaska Pacific University, an Alaska Native University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and an Associate of Arts and Certification in Welding Technology at Kenai Peninsula College.
When she is not serving un’ina, Shannon enjoys spending time with loved ones, engaging in creative activities, reading, learning, traveling, and listening to music.
Karey is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She provides comprehensive care for un’ina of all ages, from newborns to Elders.
Karey finds it rewarding to see individuals achieve positive health outcomes and make a difference for them and their family. That experience drives her commitment to deliver holistic, family-centered care. Karey considers it both a privilege and a responsibility to positively influence an individual’s health and well-being. She is motivated to be a source of hope and comfort for the people she serves.
Karey earned a master’s degree in Family Practice with advanced studies at the University of Miami and South University in 2014. She earned her Registered Nurse licensure in 1994. She completed her undergraduate nursing studies at Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University. Karey has broad clinical experience, including emergency medicine, urgent care, neurosurgery, medical-surgical nursing, and dialysis.
When she’s not serving un’ina, Karey enjoys spending time with her family, especially hiking and listening to live music. She is a passionate lifelong learner and always looks for opportunities to try new things.
Carrie provides personal training sessions and fitness consultations in the Wellness gym at the Dena’ina Wellness Center. She leads group fitness classes with a focus on improving function, strength, stamina and balance.
Suzanne J. Jackson was sworn in as a Qiz’unch’ Tribal Court Judge in July 2025.
Judge Jackson became interested in serving on the Court because she wanted to be more involved with her Tribe. She has a desire to serve the community and give back. She was also inspired by her mother, Rita Smagge, who served as a Tribal Court Judge.
Judge Jackson has also served on the Tribe’s Elders committee.
Judge Jackson strives to administer justice in a compassionate way that strengthens our community. She is a team player and works to collaborate with all involved to come to a sound decision. She understands that each decision deeply affects people’s lives and is committed to doing what is just and fair.
Krista Holloway was sworn in as a Qiz’unch’ Tribal Court Judge in September 2025.
Dr. Larsen provides comprehensive eye exams for un’ina of all ages. His services include eyewear prescriptions and contact lens fittings, with experience in specialty and RGP contacts. Dr. Larsen also handles medical visits from diabetic high-risk exams to foreign body removal.
Dr. Larsen earned his doctorate in Optometry at the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Brigham Young University. He is certified by the American Board of Optometry and has been practicing primarily in private practice settings since 1998.
Dr. Larsen started wearing glasses at age 4, leading to his interest in eye care. He finds it rewarding to use his skills to help people see their world better. He appreciates the opportunity to help in diagnosing and preventing systemic health conditions.
Dr. Larsen and his wife have six children and two grandchildren. When he’s not serving un’ina, he enjoys photography, riding motorcycles, road and mountain biking, hiking, and video games.
Gary Corder was sworn in as a Qiz’unch’ Tribal Court Judge in May 2025.
Alyssa provides integrated assessments, crisis intervention and psychotherapy sessions to un’ina. She is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive change in her community. She finds it rewarding to build trust and meaningful connections with people seeking support.
Alyssa has a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Prior to her work in mental health counseling, Alyssa worked as a chemical dependency counselor providing services to un’ina seeking recovery from substance abuse.
A passion for social justice and advocacy inspired Alyssa to pursue a career in behavioral health. Alyssa’s approach to counseling is rooted in person-centered care, social justice and empowerment. Alyssa is a Kenaitze Tribal Member and is honored to be able to work with Alaska Native and American Indian people and to give back to her community.
When not serving un’ina, Alyssa enjoys reading, gardening, ice skating, traveling and spending quality time with friends and family.
Russell J. Wilson was sworn in as a Qiz’unch Tribal Court Judge in September 2018.
