Celebration draws thousands to Juneau for Alaska Native cultural gathering
More than 1,800 dancers joined the opening Grand Entrance at the four-day festival celebrating Indigenous cultures
An estimated 1,800 dancers from Indigenous communities across Alaska, the Great Plains and the Hawaiian Islands gathered in Juneau on June 3 for the opening of Celebration, a biennial festival honoring Southeast Alaska Indigenous cultures, according to reporting by the Alaska Beacon. The Grand Entrance drew thousands of dancers, families and supporters and featured 34 dance groups singing, drumming and dancing through downtown Juneau and into Centennial Hall.
Celebration began in 1982 as a dance and culture festival recognizing Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures, according to the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which organizes the event. This year's theme, "enduring strength," highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities. The four-day gathering includes traditional song and dance performances, Native language activities, food, art, classes, a toddler regalia review and an Indigenous fashion show.
- 1.Corinne Smith. Alaska Beacon, .
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