About Goldbelt Aaní

General project information

Goldbelt Aaní translates to “Goldbelt’s Land”—a name chosen intentionally to reflect our deep connection to place, people, and purpose.

Rooted in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the name honors our commitment to our shareholders—our Native owners—and the lands entrusted to us. ANCSA was created to promote economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives, and Goldbelt was established under this act to carry out that mission.

For more than 50 years, Goldbelt has lived up to this responsibility, growing into a proven economic driver and community leader. The name Aaní speaks not only to the land, but also to our role as stewards of its value and potential. 

This platform reflects Goldbelt’s mission to make a positive impact in the lives of our owners and our vision to be a forever company that creates generational wealth. It embodies the values that guide us: integrity, respect, service, and an entrepreneurial spirit—all in pursuit of excellence. 

Goldbelt expects to welcome the first cruise ship during the 2028 cruise season, following a phased development process.

Goldbelt has owned the land since it was conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1972. The land will continue to be owned by Goldbelt and its shareholders in perpetuity.

Goldbelt is owned by more than 4,300 Alaska Natives whose ancestors made their home in Lingít Aaní. When the U.S. government resolved land claims through ANCSA, Goldbelt was allotted more than 32,000 acres of its ancestral lands.

The corporation holds ANCSA lands at Echo Cove, Cascade Point, West Douglas, Hobart Bay, and Port Houghton. The stated goal of ANCSA is to promote economic self-sufficiency through land and asset management. 

Alaska Native corporations are bound by legal and cultural responsibilities to benefit their shareholders—all of whom are tribal citizens, many of whom still reside in Juneau. ANCSA land is not developed to enrich an individual or singular business interest, but to advance the long-term well-being of its Alaska Native shareholders.

Environment & Infrastructure

Environmental stewardship, utilities, transportation, and site operations

  • Goldbelt is committed to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Potential impacts on salmon, whales, and traditional fishing areas are being carefully considered as part of ongoing planning efforts. The permitting process includes a thorough environmental review, and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a required component of regulatory compliance for this type of project.
  • To date, Goldbelt has completed several key environmental assessments, including wetland delineation, eagle nest surveys, fish stream surveys, and floodplain evaluations.
  • We have also facilitated on-site inspections by representatives from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support agency oversight and collaboration.
  • Goldbelt is commissioning a full traffic study to analyze potential impacts on North Douglas Highway. Results will be shared to help ensure minimal disruption and to inform traffic measures that prioritize the safety of pedestrians and all who use the road system from the North Douglas Boat Ramp to False Outer Point.
  •  The project team is taking a comprehensive approach to infrastructure needs. While the current plan does not include a second crossing, it does account for growth within utility systems.
  • Goldbelt and its development team are designing a full wastewater and water treatment system for the port to minimize strain on Juneau’s existing infrastructure. Traffic management and utility planning are being coordinated with city planners and engineers. 

Goldbelt and its development team are taking a holistic approach to design and development. This includes a complete wastewater and water treatment system to meet the needs of the port without straining existing infrastructure.

Yes. The proposed port location is in close proximity to AEL&P’s high-voltage lines extending to Greens Creek Mine.

Due to the location of the berths and the existing power transfer station, Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port is one of the most viable options for expanding shore power access for ships arriving in Juneau. 

No. However, Royal Caribbean Group has expressed strong interest in being the port’s primary user once construction is complete. Additional potential customers may be announced closer to opening.

Community & Economic Impact

Questions about community benefits and local economy

Once operational, the port will be subject to both the cruise ship head tax and JCB’s property tax, potentially making it Juneau’s largest source of tax revenue.

Yes. As a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation, Goldbelt is one of the largest taxpayers in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). The Goldbelt cruise port will increase the municipality’s tax base and generate additional property and sales tax revenue.

Cruise lines are required to pay the state head tax per guest arriving at the first five ports of call in Alaska. This requirement applies to both public and private ports. Under state guidelines, Juneau will continue to receive passenger fees from travelers visiting Goldbelt’s port.

Yes. Goldbelt and its shareholders succeed when local businesses and Juneau’s economy thrive.

The Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port will provide opportunities for local tour operators. Through thoughtful design and development, Goldbelt aims to lower barriers to entry for operators and retailers. 

By creating a purpose-built facility, operators can serve guests while reducing impacts on city infrastructure and the natural environment. 

Project Process & Engagement

Permitting, transparency, and public process

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allows for certain types of development that are not automatically permitted within a zoning district but may be appropriate under specific conditions.

In Juneau, applicants submit a CUP proposal to the Community Development Department. The proposal is reviewed and presented to the Planning Commission, which holds a public hearing to gather input and determine whether to approve, deny, or approve the project with conditions.

 This process helps ensure that new development aligns with surrounding uses and supports community goals.

 As of February 2026, Goldbelt is in the CUP process for this project.

Public feedback is actively solicited during the permitting process led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Comments for USACE review were accepted throughout September, and community members were encouraged to participate.

Goldbelt has taken the appropriate steps at each stage to meet all permitting requirements and will continue to do so as the project progresses.

Permitting processes through city, state, and federal agencies each have different requirements for public disclosure and comment periods. Goldbelt has complied—and will continue to comply—with all applicable regulations.

The project has been formally presented to the City and Borough of Juneau.

While key decisions have been made regarding the project’s overall vision and location, other aspects remain open for public input—particularly those related to infrastructure, community amenities, and elements subject to public processes.

Goldbelt will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the project and address community concerns.

Jobs & Contracting Opportunities

A home for all current and future employment, contracting, and procurement opportunities

Why is Goldbelt seeking an Indigenous Cultural Advisor?
Goldbelt Aaní is a generational project. The Indigenous Cultural Advisor will help guide the respectful, authentic, and place-based integration of Tlingit culture by advising Goldbelt on culturally appropriate engagement and helping identify the appropriate cultural authorities and knowledge holders throughout the life of the project.

Does Goldbelt get to appoint one person to represent all Tlingit people?
No. Goldbelt recognizes that no single individual or organization represents all Tlingit perspectives or possesses the cultural authority, lived experience, or expertise to speak on every aspect of Tlingit culture. The Indigenous Cultural Advisor is expected to serve as a facilitator, advisor, and connector, helping Goldbelt identify when additional engagement with Elders, artists, language speakers, clans, houses, Tribal governments, cultural institutions, or other knowledge holders is appropriate.

Do I have to be a Goldbelt Shareholder to apply to the Indigenous Cultural Advisor position?
No. There is a shareholder and descendant preference for this position, but the RFP process is open to all qualified applicants. We encourage qualified Goldbelt shareholders, descendants, and Indigenous professionals and organizations to review the RFP and consider submitting a proposal.

How are Goldbelt shareholders and descendants recognized in the evaluation?
The RFP includes Goldbelt Shareholder or Descendant Participation as part of the scored evaluation criteria. Verified Goldbelt shareholder status or documented lineal descent is weighted as part of the evaluation, while qualifications, relevant experience, cultural expertise, and the overall proposed approach remain the primary factors in selecting the advisor.

Why isn’t this opportunity limited to Goldbelt shareholders?
The goal is to identify the advisor or team best suited to guide this important work while encouraging broad Indigenous participation. The evaluation recognizes Goldbelt shareholder and descendant participation, while also welcoming qualified Indigenous individuals and organizations, including descendants who may not yet own shares. This approach supports both shareholder opportunity and the project’s need for the strongest cultural expertise and experience.

Why is Goldbelt Heritage not performing the duties outlined in this RFP?
Goldbelt Inc. and Goldbelt Heritage Foundation work closely together, but Goldbelt Heritage is a separate entity and is not directly involved in the development of Goldbelt Aaní.

What role will they play in the work performed by the successful vendor?
Goldbelt Heritage Foundation may have a future role in the cultural development of the port via an advisory role. If so, their selected advisor will recommend appropriate cultural governance and engagement structures; Goldbelt will make final appointments and retain decision-making authority.

Should the Tlingit language and cultural content be specific to the traditional territories of Aak’w Kwáan and Taku Kwáan, or is a broader regional representation of Tlingit culture and language expected?
Goldbelt anticipates both place-based and broader regional Tlingit representation, as appropriate. The selected Indigenous Cultural Advisor will help determine the appropriate cultural and geographic representation in consultation with relevant cultural authorities and knowledge holders.

Given the time-and-expense structure, the multiple phases, and the breadth of the project, does Goldbelt have an estimated length of time you plan to establish the initial contract, or will this be renewable annually? Also, is there an estimated annual time commitment?
Goldbelt anticipates that the contract will be renewable annually. The current forecast is approximately a full-time level of effort during the development phase. Proposers should provide hourly rates by role, along with an estimated cost for the initial scope and a proposed not-to-exceed amount or first-year budget. Goldbelt may authorize services by phase, task, or written work order.

What is the timeframe for the project?
The initial port opening is currently targeted for 2028, with future concept plans allowing for additional growth through 2031.

Is there a maximum budget?
Goldbelt has not established a maximum budget. Proposers should provide hourly rates by role, an estimated cost for the initial scope, and a proposed not-to-exceed amount or first-year budget, as outlined in Section 4.6.

Should we include our budget and narrative and any attachments within this page limit?
Yes. The narrative and cost proposal content count toward the 20-page limit. The cover, table of contents, required certifications, insurance documentation, resumes, and fee proposal form are excluded.

If my firm is hired to serve as Indigenous Cultural Advisor, am I able to work on other aspects of the project?
Being hired for this position would not prevent future bidding or working on other aspects of the port development.

Where can people learn more?
The scope of work, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions for the RFP are available at https://www.goldbeltaani.com/jobs/. Questions are due August 15, 2026, and proposals must be received by 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time on August 30, 2026.