Facts about the Koyukon or Denaakke
The original inhabitants of the area around Denali were the Denaakke which means the people in there native language
The Russians named the river that runs through there territory the Koyukon and called the Natives the Koyukons because of it
Today many Natives refer to themselves as Koyukons because of the Russians and there language the is becoming extinct over time
The Koyukons dressed similarly to the tribes of America as we know them but there distinct differences lay in there adaptation to the extreme weather of the area.
Because the Animals of Alaska have adapted to the climate and the Denaakke mostly used the pelts of animals the tribes wore caribou and seal pelts.
Modern Facts About the Tribes
The Koyukon now have one of the largest populations of Alaskan Tribes in America with about 3000 people.
They are believed to have migrated to the Yukon-Kuskokwim River basin from the interior of North America about 10,000 years ago.
Specifically Denali was home to the tribes Ahtna, Dena ina, Upper Kuskokwim, and Tanana people.
The Tribes today are still self governed at the Koyukon Athabascan headquarters which maintains some degree of independence from the US government
The Tribes are also known for using sled dogs as a mode of transportation which was common for Natives all over
Norther America before the introduction of horses by the Spanish. However today it is common for the people to drive cars and use motorized boats
They are also expert fishermen and marksmen with modern dipnets, fishing rods and guns. Still keeping to the tradition of hunting and gathering for
for most of there calorie intake. Though if you need a home built it is common for Alaskan Residence to call up the Tribesmen to help as they are known for
their craftsmanship.
