Sealaska Heritage sets dates for Celebration 2026

The Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) Board of Trustees has set the dates for the next Celebration, to be held June 3-6, 2026.

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

The lead dance group will be Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian Dancers (Our Own Dance in Our Hearts), a multigenerational group from Anchorage formed in 2005.

Celebration is the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples, drawing thousands, including up to 2,000 dancers. It includes associated events, such as a Juried Art Show, Native artist market and parade, spread over multiple venues.

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

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

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. 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 and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaska.com.

Caption: Children performing at Celebration 2024. Photo by Austin Bernales, courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute. Note: News outlets are welcome to use this photo for coverage of this story. For a higher resolution version, contact kathy.dye@sealaska.com.