Valdez is not know to ever host permanant settlements before the 1890's. Ahtna would travel to Valdez from the north to harvest from Port Valdez and trade with the Chugach Alutiiq of Prince William Sound.
Ellamar/Tatitlek, a Chugach village is the closest remaining village to Valdez. It has been traditionally inhabited by the Chugach subgroup the Tatitlarmiut. Once Valdez was established Chugach people began to reside in Valdez as well.