Sealaska Heritage sets dates for Celebration 2028

The Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) Board of Trustees has set the dates for the next Celebration. The biennial dance-and-culture festival will be held June 7-10, 2028.

Participants are encouraged to book hotel rooms early as accommodations fill quickly in Juneau.

The lead dance group will be Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan, a multigenerational group from Kake. Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan translates to “Mouth of the Dawn Peoples.”

Today the group consists of 150 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian members. Its roots trace back to the 1970s, when a group of children called the Kake JOM Dancers began to learn traditional songs and dances. In 1989, they started making regalia and performing as Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan.

The lead dance group is responsible for leading the Grand Entrance and Grand Exit songs, during which every participating dance group dances across the stage to mark the beginning and end of Celebration. That requires the lead group to drum and sing for up to three hours straight during both processions. The honor is given to one dance group every two years.

Celebration is the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples in the world, and it has become one of the largest events in Alaska since it was first held in 1982. Thousands of people — including up to 2,000 dancers — attend biennially. It includes several events spread over multiple venues throughout downtown Juneau, such as a Juried Art Show, Native artist market and parade.

Celebration is also a documented financial boon for Juneau. A study by the McDowell Group found its economic impact is around $2 million.

The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding by educating the general public about the Indigenous cultures of Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee and an Education Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, Deputy Director of Publications and Communications, kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com

Caption: Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan performs during Celebration 2026. Note: News outlets are welcome to use this photo for coverage of this story. For a higher-res version, contact kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com.