HUNA BEAUTY

Icy Strait Point has become a showcase for Tlingit heritage in the 21st century.

Tucked into the northeastern edge of Chichagof Island — about 35 miles west of Juneau, along the inland waterway at Port Frederick — sits serene Icy Strait Point. The picturesque spot possesses a rich heritage as a former fishing cannery, but today it plays an integral role in the way its native Huna Tlingit people can preserve their culture by sharing the destination’s beauty with visitors. Icy Strait Point is located in the village of Hoonah, Alaska, and the former cannery site was purchased in 1996 by the Huna Totem Corporation. The goal of the native-owned organization was to create a cultural and wilderness experience that boosts the economy through tourism opportunities while maintaining the historic character and traditional culture of the village. The Hoonah Packing Company built and operated the cannery in 1912; and the abundant salmon and other natural resources in the greater region helped the people of Hoonah maintain a thriving, sustainable lifestyle, with the facility serving as a significant social and economic backbone. But Alaska’s salmon industry came under pressure because of overfishing and lack of regulation, and the cannery closed in 1953. The loss of industry — both salmon fishing and logging — meant many residents, especially younger people, left Hoonah to seek their livelihoods elsewhere. Prospects for the Tlingit people of Hoonah, who have lived along Icy Strait for thousands of years, turned brighter in 1996, when Huna Totem Corporation bought the old cannery and envisioned its potential for tourism. That potential is being realized with the continuing development of Icy Strait Point, which broke ground as the country’s only private cruise ship destination in 2001. More than a decade later, the effects of this expanding new industry can be seen throughout a revitalized community and in a destination that is distinctly Alaskan. The former cannery facility now houses a museum, retail shops and art gallery — all of which feature items that relate to the story of the site and the people of Hoonah. “Icy Strait Point brought a new breath of sustainable life back to the community of 760 people,” says Mickey Richardson, marketing director for Huna Totem. “In addition to unmeasured benefits like increased transportation and community infrastructure, tourism represents more than 260 jobs.”

WILD ENTERPRISE Cruisers visiting Icy Strait Point can feel just how special this place is as soon as their ship eases into Cross Sound and cruises amid the unspoiled wilderness around Chichagof Island before coming into the quiet bay that is the home of the repurposed cannery facility. Vigilant visitors on the lookout for wildlife might see whales in the waters and bald eagles soaring overhead or perching in the surrounding rain forest. This region is also home to more brown bears than humans. Once across the pier to shore, you can choose from more than 30 tours and activities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and open your eyes to the fascinating history and culture of the Tlingit people. The signature attraction is the world’s largest ZipRider , which gives a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty. Six 5,330-foot-long (1,625-meter-long) zip lines drop more than 1,300 feet (396 meters) in altitude to send riders zooming at speeds up to 60 mph (97 kph) as they soar 300 feet (92 meters) above the rain forest scenery. A gondola is also set to open this year to take visitors on a high-speed ride from the new Wilderness Landing some 1,600 feet (488 meters) up to the top of Hoonah Mountain to capture the stunning vistas. Closer to earth, immersive activities allow visitors the chance to explore the history and culture of the Huna Tlingit, as well as the food and wildlife of the area. Walk along the beach and learn about the special connection the native people have with marine life and its importance in a sustainable lifestyle. Then, learn to fillet a salmon and find out about the preserving process of smoking and kippering. With a Tlingit guide, you can learn how to select wild leaves and herbs for teas and medicine and pick wild berries to accent your ice cream later that day. Icy Strait Point offers opportunities to go stream fishing or angling for halibut on the open ocean, to watch whales and marine mammals, to partake in a seafood feast or simply enjoy a tribal dance show. With each opportunity, one discovers that Icy Strait Point is meeting its goal: offering rich experiences for travelers while also providing great benefits to the community.

WE MUST HONOR OUR HISTORY AND CULTURE. IT’S THE REASON PEOPLE COME. THAT’S WHAT ALASKAN.” MAKES US