The Copper River or Ahtna River, Ahtna Athabascan ‘Atna’tuu, "river of the Ahtnas", Tlingit Eeḵhéeni, "river of copper", is a 290-mile (470 km) river in south-central Alaska in the United States. It drains a large region of the Wrangell Mountains and Chugach Mountains into the Gulf of Alaska. It is known for its extensive delta ecosystem, as well as for its prolific runs of wild salmon, which are among the most highly prized stocks in the world. The river is the tenth largest in the United States, as ranked by average discharge volume at its mouth.
A fisherman (bottom center) dipnetting for salmon on the Copper River at Chitina in Southcentral Alaska
A man dip netting on the Copper River, undated photo by John Nathan Cobb (died 1930)
Copper River sockeyes, 2007
Miles Glacier Bridge, showing earthquake damage and temporary repair, 1984
The Tlingit or Lingít are Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America and constitute two of the two-hundred thirty-one federally recognized Tribes of Alaska. Although the majority, about 14,000 people, are Alaska Natives, there is a small minority, 2,110, who are Canadian First Nations.
Chief Anotklosh of the Taku Tribe, wearing a Chilkat blanket, Juneau, Alaska, c. 1913
Hoonah, Alaska, a traditional Tlingit village near Glacier Bay, home of the Xúnaa Kháawu
Two Tlingit girls, near Copper River (Alaska), 1903. Photograph taken by the Miles Brothers
Kóok gaaw, box drum, late 19th century. Image is of a sea wolf (orca).