K’etniyi: The Land is Speaking to Us

Look deeply, listen carefully - this Alaskan land has stories to tell.

In Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, salmon drive the rhythm of life—feeding bears, forests, and people. Through the eyes of Dena’ina community members and park scientists, the film uncovers the deep connections that shape this land. As seasons shift, tradition and science come together to reveal a living landscape full of meaning. The land is speaking—listen.

Through a full seasonal cycle in Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park, Indigenous Dena’ina community members and park scientists explore the park’s vast and varied landscapes, revealing how the land’s essence lies not in individual features, but in profound interconnections. Powerful tectonic forces have carved deep valleys where millions of salmon surge through waterways, energizing bears, birds, and entire ecosystems. Ancestral trails cross boreal forest, tundra and mountains to connect communities across space and time, while Indigenous knowledge and western science unite to understand how the land speaks—K’etniyi—to all who listen. This stunning cinematic meditation not only tells the story of the park but offers wisdom that transforms how we see the natural world around us.

 
An aerial view of trees, green vegetation, ponds, and winding rivers surrounded by jagged mountains with fading sunlight on the peaks.
The Tlikakila River as it reaches Little Lake Clark

NPS Photo

 
a bright white moon appears just over the snow capped mountain peak on a pale blue sky. There is alpen-glow on the mountains, a soft yellow light. In the foreground is a frozen lake as well as trees covered in ice and snow

Spirit. Everything got spirit. Trees, birds, animals, everything communicates with one another.

—Butch (Steve) Hobson Jr.
 

A Place Where People Still Gather

Lake Clark is Dena'ina ełnena (land)

Qizhjeh Vena, meaning ‘a place where people gather lake’ is the original name of Lake Clark. The Dena’ina Athabascans have lived in the Lake Clark region for thousands of years. Living in remote, naturally intact places brings challenges and opportunities that foster a sense of community, self-reliance, respect for the land, and a deep connection to place.

The Dena’ina culture evolved from this reciprocal relationship with the land, cultivating their language, spirituality, identity, values, and practices that guide a life compatible with this environment. The energy of this place continues to influence the language, stories, songs, dance, ceremony and deeply held values like respect and never taking more than you need. Qizhjeh Vena is a place of living heritage with many voices and meanings. Original place names help to see the land from a different perspective – explore Dena’ina place names and key words featured throughout the film below.

 
Orange-yellow sky above jagged mountains silhouetted against a narrow lake with a river flowing into the lake. There are several words in text in the Dena'ina language centered on the image. Orange-yellow sky above jagged mountains silhouetted against a narrow lake with a river flowing into the lake. There are several words in text in the Dena'ina language centered on the image.

Left image
Dena'ina Words and Placenames Featured in K'etniyi Film
Credit: NPS Photo

Right image
English Translation of Dena'ina Words and Placenames
Credit: NPS Photo

 

Where to Watch K'etniyi

K'etniyi continues to air since its public television debut in November 2025. Check your local broadcasting channels for showtimes or navigate to PBS.org to stream the film. 

Watch the Park Film
 
 
 

Dena'ina Athabascan Culture

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Park Place
PO Box 227
Port Alsworth, AK 99653

Phone:

907 644-3626

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