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¶Kari 2019 introduces a theory of Na-Dene prehistory, "the Proto-Dene Lex Loci" that derives from Lexware dictionary files and cumulative place name for seven adjacent Alaska Dene languages. To investigate Dene prehistory in the Copper River and circum–Glacial Lake Atna (GLA) region, we discuss a selection of 67 Dene place names from seven Dene languages in four Alaska river basins. Dene geolinguistic data are information-rich; highly noticeable are various watershed tenure devices (hydronymic districts, patterned duplications, geoduplicates) that reflect ancient Dene vernacular collaborations to facilitate landscape recognition. ¶As few as three Dene place names establish that the Dene occupation of Tanana River preceded the initial Dene names in the Copper River Basin. A group of about 20 Ahtna names termed "the Nen’ Yese’ Ensemble (NYE)" are overtly descriptive of the geology and hydrology at the Tyone Spillway. One subset of 9 to 10 names plausibly were coined during "a first season on the NYE" (starting at Hogan Hill, K'ey Tsaaygha). Another subgroup of 11 names has four pairs of patterned duplications that indicate spatial-temporal seriation. Plausibly this group of names were coined prior to, during, and after the names of the NYE (11,000 to 9000 years ago) in the time frame of major GLA drainage shift. As geological, paleo-ecological records for GLA become refined, geo-temporal benchmarks may be attainable. Alaska Dene geolinguistic data sets can broaden discussions of Alaska and Beringian prehistory as well as theories of language change. 

Overview of early Dene (Athabaskan) language research at ANLC. Bob Hsu introduced of the Lexware system for computerized dictionaries in 1980, which led to Kari's 1990 Ahtna Athabasakn Dictionary. Since 2017 with the software suggested by Tim Montler, Kari summarizes features of "High Volume Dene Lexicography" which are being used for current dictionaries of Dena'ina, Lower Tanana, and Middle Tanana.