Introduction / History

The Tanana are divided into two groups according to language: Upper Tanana and Lower Tanana. They live in central Alaska. Their ancestors were nomads who hunted caribou, mountain sheep and moose. In the winter they lived in skin-covered dome-shaped tents and bark lean-tos in the summer. The Upper Tanana had village headmen chosen by clan leaders. He was chosen because of his family prestige, his leadership skills or his “medicine” power.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tanana villages are now governed by a council which is made up of men and women. These councils decide land management issues. Very few if any speak their traditional language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The traditional religion of the Upper Tanana was shamanistic, but their beliefs varied by individual. Today they adhere to their traditional religion though most are also Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Upper and Lower Tanana peoples need the chance to resurrect their language and culture. This will help give them dignity as a people.

Prayer Points

Pray for Upper Tanana disciples to make more disciples.

Pray for their leaders to seek and find Jesus Christ, the only savior, and share his ways with their families and villages.

Pray for the Tanana peoples to thrive in the 21st century.

Scripture Prayers for the Upper Tanana in United States.

References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tanana

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/people-of-the-upper-tanana.htm

http://www.bigorrin.org/tanana_kids.htm