The Matanuska River watershed has been the homeland of Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax (Chickaloon Native Village) for many generations and it is the center of the Tribe’s traditional use area. The Matanuska River watershed has provided necessary tangible and intangible resources to sustain a thriving Tribal community including food, shelter, and clothing, as well as cultural and spiritual enrichment. The Matanuska River watershed continues to provide Tribal citizens with a connection to the life ways of their ancestors and with sustenance in the 21st Century. In honor of the profound respect and gratitude Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax has for the Matanuska Valley, and to steward a healthy environment in the watershed, CVTC supports developing cultural ecotourism opportunities in the Matanuska River watershed.
Through its partnerships with several local, regional, and statewide organizations and tour operators, the Culture and Historic Preservation Department continues to develop and adapt various cultural interpretive programs that promote the resources of the Matanuska River watershed, and the history and culture of Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax.

CVTC THPO Angela Wade teaching Salmonberry Tours staff about salmon spawning and Ahtna seasonal practices along the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway.

CVTC Museum Specialist, Selena Ortega-Chiolero, sharing materials from the CVTC Permanent Collections & Archives with attendees at the 2023 Annual Gathering

CVTC Admin. Assistant, Skylar Hosman, teaching beadwork during the 2024 Arctic Winter Games carnival.