Sealaska Heritage Institute
SHI's Celebration Programs
CELEBRATION
A centuries-old tradition since 1982. Next Celebration: June 3-6, 2026
Sealaska Heritage will hold Celebration in Juneau from June 3-6, 2026, which will be live television broadcasted locally and webcasted worldwide. This year’s theme is “Enduring Strength”.
Celebration is one of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native peoples, drawing thousands of people, including more than 2,000 dancers. Celebration is also a financial boon for Juneau, according to research. A study by the McDowell Group in 2012 found that the economic impact of Celebration that year was $2 million.
TICKETS
Celebration Tickets
WHERE/WHEN TO BUY TICKETS:
Celebration tickets and the program maybe purchased at Centennial Hall during the event.
Four-day pass:
General: $35
Youth (ages 7-12): $20
Elder (ages 65+): $20
Children ages 6 and under: Free
Daily admission:
General: $20
Youth (ages 7-12): $10
Elder (ages 65+): $10
Children ages 6 and under: Free
DANCE GROUPS
SHI’s Board of Trustees named Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian Dancers
(Our Own Dance in Our Hearts) as the lead dance group for Celebration 2026. Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian Dancers, a multigenerational group from Anchorage, formed in 2005.
The honor is given to one dance group every two years. 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.
SHI asks dance groups to apply to perform at Celebration.
Application coming soon.
ASSOCIATED EVENTS
SHI will sponsor a Toddler Regalia Review for children ages 2-4 years of age at the time of Celebration 2026, scheduled June 3-6.
Application coming soon.
SHI is accepting applications for its Northwest Coast Juried Art Show and Competition, which is held during Celebration. The event is open to Alaska Native and Native American artists who practice Northwest Coast arts. Artists will compete in five divisions: Carving and sculpture; two-dimensional and relief carving; sewing; weaving and endangered art, which includes spruce-root weaving and horn spoon carving. Artists who win best of category will compete for best of division, and the division winners will compete for best of show. SHI also will award a best of formline prize among all pieces submitted.
SHI is accepting application for its Juried Youth Art Exhibit, which is held during Celebration. The event features work by middle school and high school students and monetary awards go to the winners’ sponsoring schools or organizations. The program is open to all youth in grades 6-12.
Application coming soon.
SHI is holding a contest to solicit a design for Celebration. SHI is seeking Northwest Coast art that depicts the theme: Enduring Strength. The winning artist will create a piece that best interprets or conceptualizes the idea of enduring strength, which will serve as the visual symbol for the event and appear on Celebration materials, including t-shirts and a program associated with the event, which is one of the largest Native gatherings in the state, drawing thousands of people to Juneau every even year. SHI will also publish an article about the artist in the Celebration program. The artist will receive $1,000. Note: SHI is requesting sketches of proposed Celebration art, as opposed to finished pieces. The process is similar to a request for proposals. The sketches must be clear enough that reviewers can understand and interpret the concept.
SHI will hold food contests for best seaweed, seal oil, and dry fish during Celebration 2024. Prizes: First place: $1,000; Second place: $500; Third place: $250. Check back soon for the application.
Application coming soon.
SHI will sponsor a Native Artist Market during Celebration 2026. The event is open to Sealaska shareholders and their descendants and Alaska Natives and Native Americans who are members of an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporation or Indian tribe.
Application coming soon.
OTHER INFO
We rely on volunteers to make Celebration happen. We need about 200 volunteers to donate a minimum of four hours in exchange for a free, one-day pass and a free t-shirt. All persons wishing to volunteer need to register ahead of the event.
Application coming soon.
We want to see you preparing for Celebration—whether rehearsing, sewing regalia, fundraising or anything else related to the event! Send photos to shinews@sealaska.com to be included in our biennial #RoadToCelebration social media campaign!