Our Community
We are the Taa’tl’aa Denaé (Headwater People) of Chistochina and Mentasta, located in eastern south-central Alaska. Chistochina is located on the Tok Cutoff of the Glenn Highway, 42 miles northwest of Glennallen. Mentasta is located six miles off the Tok-Slana Cutoff of the Tok Cutoff on the west side of the Mentasta Pass, 38 miles southwest of Tok Junction
Welcome to Chistochina.
Chistochina
Chistochina is located on the Tok Cutoff of the Glenn Highway, 42 miles northeast of Glennallen, the closest town with amenities.The village is surrounded by Sinona Creek, Boulder Creek, Chistochina River, and Copper River.
The combined population of the area is about 250 people. The median age for males is 22 and for females, 17, indicating a high percentage of young people in the region. The economy of the area is mainly subsistence, with cash employment being limited and seasonal, and consisting mostly of fire fighting, highway maintenance and construction. The schools and tribe employ a few residents. Subsistence activities are a crucial component of the lifestyle in the village.
Welcome to Mentasta Village.
Mentasta Lake
Mentasta Lake is located 6 miles off the Tok-Slana Cutoff of the Glenn Highway on the west side of Mentasta Pass, 38 miles southwest of Tok Junction.
Early village settlements have been located at various sites around the lake. The families that presently reside in Mentasta Lake come from Nabesna, Suslota, Slana and other villages within the area.
Mentasta Lake is connected to the Tok Cutoff to the Glenn Highway by a 6-mile spur road. There is a small airstrip at Mentasta Lodge. Mentasta Lake is located in the continental climate zone, with long, cold winters, and relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from -57 to 93. Average snowfall is 69 inches, with a total of 16 inches of precipitation per year.
Batzulnetas Fish Camp 2003 © Bill Hess
