The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center played host to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe in the Wednesday, July 7th Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon. Bernadine Atchison, Tribal Council Chair was the guest speaker providing a construction update on the new education campus on Forest Drive.
It will be called the Kahtnuht’ana Duhdeldiht Campus:
“It is on a five-acre parcel. It’s close to the Kenai Municipal Park and Kenai Beach. So one of the reasons why this place is significant is its very close to our traditional Kenaitze village, which this park is one of our traditional village areas and that’s why we call it our campus over here, but the education learning center is very close to the campus. It’s also within having access to the beach we’re abele to go out and view the mountains, which are significant to us because when you see our logo over here with the three volcanoes, which they represent Iliamna, Redoubt and Spurr and so it’s a very significant area over there. We’re very happy that we’re able to select that spot.”
(this is the three-volcano logo Atchison was referring to)
The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce reported in July 2020 that the tribe broke ground on the project last August that would consolidate its educational programs and honor its culture. The Kuya Qyut’anen Early Childhood Center preschool and after-school programs will be housed in classrooms on the main level of the education wing. The second level will include admin spaces and tribal classrooms for the K-12 Yaghanen Youth Program, Education and Career Training and Dena’ina language programs. The full basement will be available for future growth.
(proposed render of the new education campus)
The multipurpose wing will have space for indoor recreation and cultural activities such as Native Youth Olympics, a second-story walking and running track, and room to host a gathering of up to 300 people. The structures are connected by a semi-circular welcoming space which serves as the main plaza and heart of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s education community. The design includes a cafeteria and commercial kitchen. Kenaitze education programs are open to the community, subject to grant requirements. The facility is designed to adapt to future uses, as needs and technology change over time, while maintaining aesthetic sensitivity with the use of local reclaimed cannery wood and other relevant cultural references.
The scheduled finish date of the Kahtnuht’ana Duhdeldiht Campus is March 2022.
