Returning to our Roots
Qizhjeh Vena
Qizhjeh Vena, ‘a place where people gathered lake’ is the original Dena'ina Athabaskan name of Lake Clark.
Dena’ina Center for Sustainable Living
Sustainable living includes people, the ełnena (land), and all life. We share why we chose these words and what they mean to us below.
Dena’ina
Meaning 'the people' who are the first people of the Qizhjeh Vena area. The Dena'ina people are one of eleven Athabaskan groups in Alaska. There are four distinct dialects of the Dena'ina language; we are the Inland Dena'ina dialect.
[Map provided by Lake Clark NPS]
Center
Refers to the natural world, where heart-led activities occur and where the connection with nature awakens the senses. Intuition is nurtured within the space of nature and wisdom emerges beyond the intellect.
Sustainable
Means to care for the health and well-being of all. There are words in the Dena'ina language that provide a deeper context for the reciprocal relationship that sustained the earth for centuries. The next generation is at the forefront of our Dena'ina cultural foundation.
Living
Living is about this center providing a space that allows participants to realize their full potential and embody who they truly are.
The Ełnena (Land):
