Archaeologists have discovered a remarkable piece of history near Cook Inlet in Anchorage, Alaska—a cache dating back approximately 960 years. Found at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), this ancient storage site sheds light on the enduring presence and resourcefulness of the Dene people, a culture deeply tied to the region for centuries.
The Dene People: Guardians of Southcentral Alaska
The Dene, also known as Athabaskan people, include the Dena’ina, Ahtna, and other cultural groups in Alaska’s Interior and Southcentral regions. For generations, the Dena’ina people traversed the Upper Cook Inlet area, following coastal routes to fishing camps in what is now Anchorage. The discovery of this cache aligns with their oral traditions and emphasizes their role as stewards of the land for at least a millennium.
Aaron Leggett, president of the Native Village of Eklutna and a curator at the Anchorage Museum, expressed the importance of the find:
“This confirms Dena’ina oral traditions and highlights the need for continued exploration of their archaeological legacy.”
The Discovery: A "Time Capsule" Beneath the Forest
The cache, a root cellar-like structure, was uncovered during a routine survey in June 2024. Initial expectations dated the site to a few hundred years ago, but radiocarbon analysis revealed a surprising age of nearly 1,000 years, said Liz Ortiz, a cultural resources program manager at JBER.
“When we got the results, we were thrilled—it was like uncovering a time capsule,” Ortiz shared.
Located on a hillside with sweeping views of Knik Arm, the site features a three-and-a-half-foot-deep pit lined with birch bark to protect its contents from moisture, dirt, and animals. While researchers initially anticipated evidence of marine-based storage, soil samples suggest the presence of terrestrial animals such as moose or caribou.
Tribal Knowledge and Archaeological Collaboration
The excavation has been enriched by partnerships with Dena’ina and Ahtna elders, who contributed invaluable insights into the site's cultural significance. Elders recalled a nearby fish camp connected to the Theodore family, marked by a birch tree bearing a carved “T.” This identifier may have linked the site to a broader network of ancestral camps.
Angela Wade, a Chickaloon village tribal citizen and historic preservation officer, emphasized the importance of integrating oral history with archaeological research:
“These sites not only confirm what was passed down but reveal details about past hardships and resilience, like surviving volcanic winters or times of scarcity.”
Preserving and Acknowledging Anchorage’s Deep History
The discovery underscores the importance of recognizing Anchorage’s Indigenous history. While modern Anchorage was established in 1914, the Dene people have lived on these lands for millennia, expertly caring for the environment and adapting to its challenges.
Margan Grover, a JBER archaeologist, noted:
“Anchorage’s urban landscape is young, but we must honor the incredible stewardship of those who lived here long before.”
As half of Alaska’s population resides on traditional Dene lands, much of this history has been disturbed by development. However, tribal leaders emphasize the value of ongoing archaeological efforts.
“Every site we explore is a step toward reclaiming pieces of our history that were nearly lost,” Wade remarked.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the Dene people but also highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating Alaska’s rich Indigenous heritage. As researchers continue their analysis, this nearly 1,000-year-old cache stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of those who came before.
