Dena’ina , also Tanaina, is the Athabaskan language of the region surrounding Cook Inlet. It is geographically unique in Alaska as the only Alaska Athabaskan language to include territory which borders salt water. Four dialects are usually distinguished:

1. Upper Inlet, spoken in Eklutna, Knik, Susitna, Tyonek
2. Outer Inlet, spoken in Kenai, Kustatan, Seldovia
3. Iliamna, spoken in Pedro Bay, Old Iliamna, Lake Iliamna area
4. Inland, spoken in Nondalton, Lime Village