Klawock Island Ventures Continues to See Increased Visitorship
Na-Dena`, together with Klawock Heenya Corporation, the Alaska Native village corporation for Klawock, has developed Alaska’s next cruise ship destination, located near the Tlingit village of Klawock.
Built on sixteen acres of Klawock Island, the port sits on the Pacific coast of Prince of Wales Island. The Port of Klawock is ideally positioned for both northbound and southbound Alaska itineraries. With two distinct fjord entrances, sailing in and out of the port treats cruisers to scenic views of the wildlife-rich archipelagos, dramatic mountains, and lush islands. Klawock Island connects to Prince of Wales by bridge, offering tour options around the island’s other communities.
“One of the highlights of the port is access to Alaska Native art and culture,” says Mary Edenshaw, Klawock Heenya’s Chief Executive Officer. “Klawock is home to totem poles that grace the community – exhibiting in art, the culture, and history of both the people and place. Furthermore, when cruise ships come to port, there is an extensive effort to highlight and feature Alaska Native artwork by local artists for visiting guests.”
In 2024, the Port of Klawock opened hosting six cruise ship calls, including its inaugural visit by the Seabourn Odyssey for the grand opening on May 6, and the Klawock Island Ventures expects increased activity next year.
As of early January, the port is expected to host at least twenty cruise ships in 2025. Doyon is pleased to share in the growth of this indigenous-owned tourism and infrastructure project, and to see the continued growth in visits by the cruise industry, “Klawock is a cornerstone asset for our combined vision of sustainable tourism and for the Alaska Native corridor,” says Patrick Duke, Doyon’s Chief Finance Officer.
About Na-Dena`
In 2022, Doyon partnered with Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native village corporation, to form Na-Dena`. Each partner owns 50 percent of the joint venture. Na Dena` connects both the Athabascan and Tlingit cultures and languages. The Tlingit word “naa” and the Athabascan word “dene” both mean “people” or “Tribe.” Na-Dena` is focused on expanding sustainable tourism and exploring opportunities for growing Alaska’s visitor industry in transportation, lodging, and tour development. Na-Dena` aims to provide visitors to Alaska with a more authentic experience, highlighting Native culture and traditions. Na-Dena` currently owns Alaska Independent Coach Tours and invests in the development of the Klawock Port.
Port of Klawock grand opening and first call on May 6, 2024.
