Dene' Eslaanh
Mission: Our mission is to revitalize songs from our ancestors that have fallen silent while also practicing various newer songs. Our practices focus first on strengthening traditional potlatches, sharing our songs at performances, and historical knowledge.
Contact: Ariella Derrickson
Our Story
The Athabascan (Dene) Intertribal Dance Group – Dene Eslaanh, which translates to,
"We Are the People" is based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our group represents many tribes of Interior Alaska.
We come together in unity to share and celebrate our living traditions through song and dance. Our members include elders, singers, and drummers from across the region, representing the Upper and Lower Tanana, Koyukon, Gwich’in, Dena’ina, and other Interior Athabascan (or Dene) peoples.
We practice traditional songs that embody the spirit, history, and medicine of our ancestors.
The drum echoes through our people, the land, and the animals. It awakens our spirit as we celebrate language, identity, and community—honoring the songs and dances that connect us to the land, our ancestors, and each other.
Through our gatherings, we reinforce our cultures, pass knowledge to future generations, and foster strength and pride among all Interior Tribes.
We invite all our Dene people to participate, practice, and learn the stories and language of our people.
Our goal is to revive all our songs for healing and to strengthen our potlatches.