Chief Walter Northway

Collage of Walter Northway and related images.

Ashley Hicks

Many different groups of people have traditionally called the area within and around Wrangell-St. Elias their homeland, including the Ahtna and Upper Tanana Athabascans. Predominantly, the Ahtna Kohtaene (people) have taken up residence among the majestic Wrangell Mountains, they call K’ełt’aeni, since time immemorial. Once upon a time, before highways were constructed and gold was sought out, walking hundreds of miles was common. The Upper Tanana neighbors were just beyond the ridges. Due to the harsh weather conditions and the rugged dangers of nature, it was crucial for both groups to barter, trade and work with each other for the sake of survival.

In addition to the mountains being the central geographic point of origin between facilitating connections of Alaska Native groups, the Nabesna River provided sustenance and transportation. The Nabesna River flows directly from the Wrangell Mountains into the village of Northway (Naabia Niign: Upper Tanana for "Our village by the River") where traditional Chief Walter Northway once dwelt. To him and the Upper Tanana, the Wrangell Mountains are referred to as: Theetsaa Tł’aat (Copper Headwaters) since that is where the Copper River begins from the Copper Glacier. Born on June 10, 1876, according to some accounts, Chief Walter Northway was believed to have been 117 years old when he passed away in November 1993. According to Chief Walter Northway, his mother’s clan intermarried with Ahtna, more-so in the Nabesna area, which contributed to the growth, to the harmony, to the unity and strength of the Ahtna and Upper Tanana people.

When Walter was in his 90's-100's, Walter was still making steam baths, dip-netting and drying fish. He often would tell stories of how they lived in log homes but when they traveled, they would live in tents with birch bark or moose skin. They made canoes out of moose skin and birch using pitch from spruce to patch the holes. After they were done using the boat or canoe, women used to take the skin down and tan it into hides. He often reminded the new generation that they have too easy of a life. He was a wise, amazing leader, a healer and the precious grandfather to many grandchildren.

Chief Walter Northway was a remarkable and humble man and there are even stories that say he fed the whole village, carrying supplies on his back to Northway from Dawson. He was also remembered for his ability to heal, to provide and for his strength even in his last days. Today, his legacy lives on in his ancestors (Ahtna & Upper Tanana) where everyone works together; they share material and food. His words still echo through the trees, the wind and through the ancient trails in those mountains, Walter would say, “Sǫǫ’ niłts’a’ daa’an xindii’at’aa (Do not ignore each other.)

Story by Ashley Hicks, 2021