Upper Ahtna Cultural Video Archive

5 films featuring: Elder Lena Charley, Elder Ruby Sinyon, Elder Jerry Charley & Elder Katie John

Upper Ahtna Indians live in the east south central interior of Alaska at the top of the Copper River Valley. In the 1990’s leaders began supporting ethnographic videography and interviews with members of the last generation raised traditionally in the Upper Valley. Recognizing that their children and grandchildren were living with more modern world distractions in their lives, these Elders decided to speak to the future by sharing their Traditional Knowledge through this video series.

Over 25 years later, this unique 7 hour series presents their Traditional Knowledge in 5 episodes.

5 films capturing Upper Ahtna cultural practices

Community members share their connections to culture through storytelling, moose hide tanning, cooking, beading, and more.