Alaska Athabaskan Peoples

The Alaska Athabaskan peoples are eleven Indigenous groups who speak Northern Athabaskan languages and are considered the original inhabitants of the Alaska Interior. They number about 6,400 and include the Ahtna, Dena’ina, Gwich’in, Koyukon, Tanana, Tanacross, Upper Tanana, Upper Kuskokwim, Deg Hit’an, Holikachuk and Hän. They were formerly known as Tinneh, meaning “people,” and many now use the name Dena [1][2].

Peoples and Languages

The eleven groups are the Ahtna, Dena’ina, Gwich’in, Koyukon, Tanana, Tanacross, Upper Tanana, Upper Kuskokwim, Deg Hit’an, Holikachuk and Hän. Languages are Northern Athabaskan [1]. The Alaska Native Language Center lists the Koyukon at about 2,300 people with about 300 speakers, the Tanana at 380 with 30, the Tanacross at 220 with 65 and the Upper Kuskokwim at 160 with 40, in addition to the Ahtna, Gwich’in and others [2].

Origins and Names

They descend from Asian hunter-gatherers who crossed the Bering Strait and are considered the oldest Athabaskan group in Alaska. They were formerly known as Tinneh, meaning “people,” and now often use Dena [1].

Subsistence

Traditional life centered on inland creek and river fishing and hunting-gathering. Only the Dena’ina of Cook Inlet also fished the coast [1].

Social Structure

Society is matrilineal, with children belonging to the mother’s clan. The Holikachuk and Deg Hit’an, who were influenced by the Yupik, are exceptions [1].

Culture

Potlatches carry religious, social and economic significance. Dogs were the only domesticated animal and remain central to the culture [1]. See the entry on sled dog mushing in Alaska.

Religion

Traditional belief was shamanic and has largely been replaced by Christianity [1].

Individual Peoples

See the entries on the Ahtna, Dena’ina and Gwich’in peoples for detail on three of the best-known groups.

FAQs

Who are the Alaska Athabaskans? Eleven Indigenous groups of the Alaska Interior who speak Northern Athabaskan languages.

How many Athabaskans live in Alaska? About 6,400.

What does Dena mean? “People,” the name many Athabaskans now use for themselves.

How is Athabaskan society organized? Through matrilineal clans.

What are potlatches? Gatherings with religious, social and economic significance.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Alaskan Athabaskans
2. Wikipedia: Alaska Native Language Center

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue