Chilkoot Indian Association and American Cruise Lines
Announce Long-Term Moorage Partnership
Haines (Deishú), Alaska — October 1, 2026 — The Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA) and
American Cruise Lines (ACL) are pleased to announce a long-term moorage partnership,
marking an important milestone in CIA’s growing tourism and economic development
enterprise.
The agreement builds on the Tribe’s ongoing investment in moorage, visitor services, and
tourism-related businesses as part of a broader strategy to advance financial sovereignty and
create a self-determined economic future for its Tribal members.
“We are excited about the partnership between Chilkoot Indian Association and American Cruise
Lines,” said Gwen Sauser, CIA’s Tribal Council President. “It’s a significant step forward in
realizing our efforts in building a strong and sustainable future here in Deishú, both for our Tribe
and greater community.”
A foundational component of CIA’s economic development strategy is Discover Deishú, Inc.,
the Tribe’s recently established tourism enterprise. Deishú is the Tlingit name for Haines and
reflects the deep history and enduring connection of the Chilkoot people, who have cared for
these lands and waters since time immemorial.
Discover Deishú features a restaurant at CIA’s waterfront facility, an outdoor retail store and a
bus tour operation. ACL guests are already experiencing these Tribally owned offerings, and the
new moorage partnership provides an opportunity to share the Tribe’s story and strengthen
connections between visitors and the community.
“American Cruise Lines is proud to establish this long-term partnership with the Chilkoot Indian
Association,” said Eric Dussault, ACL’s Director of Port Development. “We value the
opportunity to work with CIA and look forward to being a long-term partner in Haines. This
relationship reflects our commitment to the communities we visit and to building lasting
partnerships throughout Southeast Alaska.”
For CIA, the partnership strengthens its position as a destination and partner within Southeast
Alaska’s growing visitor industry. “One of our greatest roles here at Chilkoot Indian Association
is stewarding this land and walking in who we are as a People,” said President Sauser. “We
remember those who came before us and desire to build a sustainable future for our children and
the generations to come. We believe this partnership will bring about meaningful economic
opportunities and we are looking to what the future holds.”
The Chilkoot Indian Association and American Cruise Lines are proud to solidify their
partnership and look forward to welcoming ACL guests to Haines for years to come.
About the Chilkoot Indian Association
The Chilkoot Indian Association is the federally recognized tribal government of the Chilkoot
Tlingit people in Haines, Alaska. Under the leadership of Tribal Council President Gwen Sauser
and the Chilkoot Indian Association Tribal Council, CIA works to promote the well-being, selfdetermination,
cultural preservation, and economic prosperity of its Tribal citizens while
contributing to the broader Haines community.
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. River and Small Ship cruise line. With a fleet of 30
U.S.-built ships, American offers exclusive all-domestic itineraries exploring 40 states; sailing
coastal waterways and all the major rivers including Southeast Alaska. As the most awarded U.S.
cruise line with over 50 years’ experience, American delivers personalized service and authentic
cruise experiences.
CIA & ACL Press Release
