Qizhjeh Vena – Salmon up the River
The body of water north of Iliamna Lake, known to tourists and map-
makers as Lake Clark, is called Qizhjeh Vena by the Dena’ina people.
Qizhjeh translates into English as “place people gather” or “old Kijik” and
Vena as “lake.” Because Old Kijik Lake has always been a reliable source
of salmon, Dena’ina people made the area their home long ago.
Butch Hobson has contributed
to the Dena’ina pronunciation of
place names for the Bristol Bay
Online! database.
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Qizhjeh Vena (Lake Clark), Alaska. Photo: “Reflections,” National Park Service/ J. Kramer | 25