Qizhjeh Vena, Alaska

08/07/2026

2026 Quk’ Taz’un Outdoor Leadership was a success in celebrating its 12th year of operating. Some key notes:

• We got the Quk’ Taz’un logo updated and put on hoodies for staff, Elders and students.

• We taught basket weaving, salmon skin tanning, carving, pottery, pe**te stitch beading, salve making, kayaking, survival skills and leadership skills through responsibilities throughout camp.

• We hosted 13 students, 2 Elders, 3 mentors, and 11 instructors - 29 people plus a baby. Our eldest Elder was 88 and youngest youth was 14 months old.

• This year’s camp was made possible by the partnership between the Nondalton Tribal Council (NTC) and Qizhjeh Vena Alaska (QVA) through the Sinew Fund and the Thriving Communities Grant. In previous years; the camp was lead by Karen Evanoff at the Lake Clark National Park Service in partnership with NTC.

• This all wouldn’t be possible without hours of preparation by the coordinator and instructors. From prepping Dena’ina language materials to getting snare making materials and pamphlets on historical Dena’ina facts; Chin’an gheli to the energy and support of the instructors, Elders and mentors.

07/31/2026

Instagram takeover by the QVA Leadership Enhancement Participants who also attended Quk’ Taz’un

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

The Quk’ Taz’un Outdoor Leadership Camp was established 12 years ago by Dena’ina anthropologist Karen Evanoff, Michelle Ravemoon of Pope Vannoy, and many others from partnering Dena’ina communities. The camp has operated as an intergenerational learning space with Elders, professionals, young adults, and youth participants. A leading example of an immersive Dena’ina Athabascan cultural leadership camp based on Qizhjeh Vena which means ‘a place where people gather lake’ and is also known as Lake Clark.

“Dena’ina people survived some of the harshest environmental conditions and developed an interrelated knowledge system that instilled expertise and skills for their survival. Our Dena’ina Ancestors also thrived in this environment. A vital part of this system revolved around health and well-being through direct relationship with the ełnena (earth). Dena’ina people have lived in the Qizhjeh Vena area for thousands of years.” - Karen Evanoff

“Quk’ Taz’un Outdoor Learning Camp is held at our Ancestral home of Qizhjeh. Qizhjeh is a sacred place that represents a life way.” - Michelle Ravenmoon

“Quk’ Taz’un means ‘the sun is rising’ in the Dena’ina Athabascan language and I see the students, to me, as the sun rising, as young leaders.” Karen

To watch the video of the first camp (where these photos came from) check out the link in our bio.

07/11/2026

Witnessing the daily change in weather from this view is such a gift.

Chin’an naqeltani. Chin’an donors, funders, volunteers, workers, friends, family, colleagues. This summer is flying by with small daily progress towards our vision unfolding. Chin’an gheli.

06/24/2026

As we paddled to the end of our week at Quk’ Taz’un Outdoor Leadership Camp at historic Kijik - we’d like to say Chin’an gheli to all the hands, hearts and funds that went into making this camp happen this year.

Another post will be coming soon but for now, a huge Chin’an to everyone and especially the ełnena for hosting us and providing such wonderful weather.

03/23/2026

• Happy Spring Equinox •
As hey teh (winter time) turns into łitl’en teh (spring time), the days are longer, the buds on plants start to awaken and the Shani (summer) preparations begin.

We’re preparing for Quk’ Taz’un and work out at the Center. We’re moving with intention and reflecting on all the winter lessons.

“Łitl’en teh (Spring time) is the most powerful time of the seasons; it’s a time to be aware and respectful. It’s when everything on the earth comes alive.” ~ Gust Evanoff Sr.

📷 Credit to .silas

01/06/2026

We adjusted the drawing for the keychain to include all donors from 2025 and the random winner was Yoga for Mental Health!!! Congratulations and Chin’an gheli for supporting our mission of creating a Dena’ina Center for Sustainability!

12/31/2025

Our website is getting a remodel for the new year so please reach out to [email protected] for any questions.

12/31/2025

Any last minute donations made to Qizhjeh Vena Alaska today will enter into a drawing to win this keychain🌞

To make a donation please follow the Venmo link in bio or reach out for bank information.

Chin’an gheli to all those who donated and supported us in 2025.