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Icy Strait Point: A Model of Sustainable Indigenous Tourism in Alaska

Over two decades ago, the Tlingit community in Hoonah, Alaska, embarked on a transformative journey to establish a cruise port on their ancestral land. During a time of economic uncertainty, with traditional livelihoods in logging and fishing dwindling, community leaders sought a way to both foster local pride and provide opportunities for the residents who were increasingly leaving in search of better prospects.

“A lot of our younger generation started losing their identity,” reflected Russell Dick, president and CEO of Huna Totem Corporation, which operates as a business entity for the community.

The idea of a cruise port was ignited by the regular influx of cruise ships visiting Glacier Bay, an area steeped in Tlingit history, located approximately 35 miles west of Juneau. Community leaders envisioned not just attracting visitors, but also sharing their rich cultural heritage with them, all while generating revenue for local economies.

“What better way to be proud of who you are and show who you are than through tourism, inviting people to come and visit and understand how you live and what’s important to you?” Dick articulated, emphasizing the community’s desire to share its identity.

Fast forward to today, and the port, known as Icy Strait Point, has established itself as a successful entity. Marking its 21st year of operations, it’s recognized as the first private cruise destination along Alaska’s Inside Passage and has recently been honored by Travel + Leisure with its 2025 Global Vision Awards.

Icy Strait Point, thoughtfully located over a mile from Hoonah to guard residents’ privacy, has transformed a former 1912 salmon cannery into a vibrant hub featuring a museum and local retail shops. The community now offers over 20 guided shore excursions, including bear viewing and cultural tours, providing visitors a chance to engage with the natural beauty and traditions of the region. A newly installed gondola system transports cruise passengers up a nearby mountain, providing stunning panoramic views while effectively eliminating the need for 75 buses, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

The development of Icy Strait Point adhered to standards that prioritize sustainability across environmental, social, and economic lines. Dick noted, “Sustainability isn’t just reducing emissions; it’s about sustaining the community,” highlighting the broader vision behind the project.

Rebuilding the social fabric while navigating a shift to a new economic model has its challenges, but Huna Totem Corporation’s journey shows promising signs. Among their successes is a revitalization of the Tlingit language, along with a resurgence of traditional practices. Children are seen dancing proudly in native regalia at the port, and some residents who had previously moved away are now returning to establish businesses and raise families in their hometown.

“Everything revolves around authenticity,” Dick stated, stressing the importance of maintaining the port’s scale to preserve the community’s unique identity. “With too many people, you start to lose your identity and your authenticity, and we just don’t want that.” This focus on retaining genuine experiences has shaped the operational philosophy of Icy Strait Point.

Looking beyond its immediate success, Huna Totem is leveraging the lessons learned from Icy Strait Point to inspire sustainable, indigenous-led development across various communities, including collaborative efforts with the Klawock Heenya corporation on Prince of Wales Island. The Klawock port opened in May as an alternative eco-tourism hub, replacing an industrial site with opportunities for cultural exchange through activities like sport fishing and totem-carving demonstrations.

Icy Strait Point exemplifies how a community can harness its heritage to forge sustainable economic pathways, ensuring that culture thrives alongside development. In a world increasingly seeking authentic experiences, this Alaskan port not only provides a model for other native communities but also stands as a testament to the power of resilience and community spirit.

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