Several buildings in Anchorage are getting new names that reflect Alaska Native culture and history.
On Wednesday, the Southcentral Foundation and tribal leaders officially renamed the Anchorage Primary Care Center at the Alaska Native Health Campus. It’s now called Yagheli Shesh Qenq’a, which means Good Medicine House in Dena’ina — the language of the area’s original people.
“This really is kind of the central building that most people, when they come to Southcentral, would visit for basic medical needs,” said Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna. “I think it increases awareness for demanding names and Dena’ina place names.”
The Southcentral Foundation says more renamings are planned on Thursday in Anchorage as part of its effort to celebrate Indigenous culture and ensure Native languages are visible in community spaces.