“By reclaiming this space and redefining its purpose, we are creating a place where true healing can happen—a place shaped by our culture, our sovereignty, and our understanding of what our people need to thrive,” says Burns. “It will serve not only Alaska Native people but also our non-Native neighbors who share this community with us.”
The addition of Salmon Falls strengthens KIC’s continuum-of-care model and positions the community to meet needs that have gone unmet. “With this acquisition, we finally have the ability to stand up both inpatient and outpatient treatment services that address one of Alaska’s most urgent crises,” says KIC Tribal Administrator and CEO Emily Edenshaw says.
KIC has heard concerns about Salmon Falls losing its place in the local tourism economy. Burns responds, “Our people need a place to heal more than we need another hotel. The opioid crisis, the absence of detox services in Southeast, and the behavioral health needs of our community demanded bold action. Our council unanimously chose a path that centers our citizens, honors our cultural responsibility, and creates meaningful, long-term impact—to seasonal income.”
However, KIC sees a role for cultural tourism, in contrast to commercial tourism, continuing at the resort, both to sustain employment opportunities and to support tribal enterprise.
“Cultural tourism and wellness are not mutually exclusive,” says Edenshaw. “Healing remains the heart of this project. Any tourism-related programming will be values-driven, community-centered, and intentionally integrated to uplift and not overshadow recovery and wellness.”
KIC Health Administrator Trixie Bennett underscores the broader significance of the project: “As we celebrate the acquisition of Salmon Falls, we begin a new chapter toward establishing a Healing Center rooted in whole-person care. This vision aligns not only with the aspirations of our community but also with state and federal priorities for rural health transformation.”
