About Qizhjeh Vena, Alaska
Our Sukdu (Story)
It all began around the fish-cutting table. Where we women share stories and laughter, and support each other as we work on fish. We were inspired by traditional values that have sustained our connection to the Dena'ina culture, earth, and all life. We knew it was time to share our values with others and thus, the seeds were planted for Qizhjeh Vena, Alaska.
2021 UAA Business Competition
Kiana (left) Karen (right)
In a Business of Recreation class at Alaska Pacific University, Kiana developed a business plan for Telaquana Outdoor Journeys; a tourism idea centered around her experiences learning from the outdoor studies program at Alaska Pacific University and the Dena'ina people in southwestern Alaska. The 2021 UAA Business Plan Competition was open to students from any discipline and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Anchorage community. She asked her long-time mentor Karen Evanoff and her daughter Danielle Stickman to team up. During this transition, we broadened our business plan and changed our name to Qizhjeh Vena LLC. Together we won the grand prize, tied for the People's Choice award, and won the Fortune 500 award. Our winnings totaled $7,250.
Qizhjeh Vena, Alaska
Danielle (left) Karen (middle) Kiana (right)
After the business competition, we continued to evolve our ideas. We changed our name and business structure one final time after thorough research and further development of what we'd like to offer. We used our prize money to hire a lawyer from The Foraker Group to help Qizhjeh Vena, Alaska get incorporated. During this time we asked our friend Fawn Silas to join our board. In April 2022 we received our 501(c)(3) status, and have been in the process of gathering resources to launch our enterprise.