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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2026
Old Harbor Marks Historic First Commercial Cruise Ship Visit
Old Harbor, Alaska — Old Harbor welcomed its first commercial cruise ship visit on Sunday, August 2, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the community and a new chapter in community-led cultural tourism on Kodiak Island.
Guests aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Roald Amundsen came ashore to experience the culture, history, and traditions of one of Kodiak Archipelago’s oldest continuously inhabited Alutiiq/Sugpiaq communities. The visit was developed through a partnership between Old Harbor Native Corporation (OHNC), Alaska Nuna Adventures (ANA), the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor, and the City of Old Harbor, with support of community members, Elders, cultural leaders, and artists.
“Welcoming visitors to Old Harbor was a proud moment for our community,” said Kristina Woolston, CEO of OHNC. “We are committed to sharing Alutiiq/Sugpiaq culture, history, and values in a way that is guided by the community and benefits our Indigenous people. This new business line was stood up in response to community input and reflects years of planning, collaboration, and a shared vision for how tourism can support cultural preservation, education, and economic opportunity.”
Prior to the visit, the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor passed a formal resolution supporting the opportunity to share the community's indigenous culture, history, and traditions with visitors.
"Our village has worked hard to create opportunities that improve quality of life for our community, and responsible cultural tourism has been part of that vision," said Jeffrey Peterson, Chief of the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor. "Welcoming cruise visitors creates opportunities for local artists and craftspeople, while also generating revenue for community services through sales tax and port fees. HX was a pleasure to work with, and their guests showed a genuine interest in our culture and traditional way of life. We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on this experience in the years ahead."
To commemorate the occasion, Peterson presented Captain Bram Olof of the MS Roald Amundsen with a ceremonial Alutiiq paddle, a traditional symbol of friendship, welcome, and safe passage on behalf of the Old Harbor community.
During their time in Old Harbor, guests explored the village alongside local community members, visited the Russian Orthodox Church, learned about local food security initiatives including a growing bison herd, oyster and kelp farms, while visiting the community hydroponic farm, and gained insight into the subsistence practices that continue to play a central role in daily life. Visitors also gathered at the Nuniaq Center, where local artists and culture bearers shared traditional arts, crafts, and stories. Guests were also treated to seafood chowder made with locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of the region's rich culinary traditions.
A highlight of the visit was a community welcome celebration featuring Alutiiq dancers, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities for guests to engage directly with community members. Dancers performed near a recently reconstructed traditional Alutiiq home ciqlluaq, while guests observed demonstrations of augca'aq, a traditional Alutiiq/Sugpiaq dart game, and learned about its significance within the culture.
"This milestone reflects the dedication of many people throughout our community," said Lillian O'Brien, Chair of the OHNC Board of Directors. "Our Elders, artists, dancers, volunteers, and community leaders came together to create an experience that authentically reflects who we are. We are proud to share Old Harbor in a way that honors our culture while creating opportunities for future generations."
The successful inaugural visit reflects OHNC and ANA’s commitment to developing tourism opportunities that are community-led, culturally grounded, and aligned with local values. Through partnerships and organizations such as HX Expeditions, Old Harbor is creating opportunities for visitors to experience Alutiiq/Sugpiaq culture through authentic connections with the people, traditions, and stories that continue to shape the community today.
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About Old Harbor Native Corporation
Old Harbor Native Corporation was established by the United States Congress in 1971 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and serves the Alaska Native shareholders of Old Harbor. OHNC is committed to protecting shareholder interests, supporting community development, creating social and economic opportunities, and preserving Alutiiq/Sugpiaq culture and heritage.
About Alaska Nuna Adventures
Alaska Nuna Adventures, a subsidiary of Old Harbor Native Corporation, offers Indigenous-led, culturally grounded tour experiences in Kodiak, Old Harbor, and beyond, guided by Alutiiq/Sugpiaq values and traditions.
Media Contact:
Old Harbor Native Corporation
Email: info@oldharbor.org
Phone: (907) 278-6100