Last updated: October 29, 2021
Place
Kendesnii Campground Interpretive Wayside
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Kendesnii Campground, Nabesna Road
Significance:
Cultural Interpretive wayside
Designation:
National Park and Preserve
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trailhead
Called "Give and Receive Life Here" this cultural interpretive panel recognizes and pays tribute to Daisy Nicolai (Kendesnii is her Ahtna name) and her family’s connection to the site.
Uts’en Kac’ilaegga Menn’ (Ahtna name for Twin Lakes). This valuable, semi-sacred ground has for many generations provided resources for local Ahtna people in the spring season, and for some it was their home. This land is a legacy of the importance of family and traditions along with a deep respect and love for a homeland. Because of this respect, the land was kept unspoiled. Sharing the hardships and facing an uncertain future of all Grandmothers, Daisy loved her people and her way of life. She refused to lose hope by spending as much time as possible in these camps teaching her children the traditions and ancient stories. This knowledge enabled them to provide and lead the next generation.
Dedication Ceremony
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve dedicated Kendesnii Campground on July 27, 2012. Under sunny skies, the special event included a naming ceremony, a picnic, speeches and the unveiling of the cultural panel (interpretive wayside). Park Superintendent Rick Obernesser opened the event, saying “I am excited that so many of us are here today as we dedicate the park’s first official campground.” Kendesnii is the Ahtna name of Daisy Nicolai. She and her children had a spring camp in the campground area for many years. In addition to acknowledging the family’s connection to this site, using an Ahtna name for the campground recognizes the important association between Alaska Natives and Wrangell-St. Elias. Park staff worked with local tribes in identifying the campground name, and the Cheesh’na Tribal Council, on behalf of Daisy’s family, partnered with the park in organizing the dedication. Many of the more than 100 guests at the event were members of Daisy’s family. Also among the guests were Nabesna Road residents and park visitors camping at the site. Daisy’s closest surviving relatives – a sister and three daughters – shared memories of Daisy, as did several grandchildren. Speaking on behalf of the Cheesh’na Tribal Council, Tribal Administrator Wilson Justin, who is also one of Daisy’s grandchildren, said “The honor of keeping a promise made a generation ago is privilege not always understood but vital to those who stand in shadows of our Traditions. Thank You to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for the support in keeping that promise. Cheesh’na extends a welcome to all visitors to the Kendesnii Campground.” The campground is located at Mile 28.2 on the Nabesna Road. It has vault toilets, picnic tables, and ten sites that will accommodate tents and up to medium-sized recreational vehicles. Currently there is no charge for use of the site. A canoe launch exists at the lake dock and development of a potable water well is being planned. Funding for campground construction came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Recreational Fee Demo Program.