The city of Juneau recently came alive with vibrant colors and energetic rhythms as hundreds of Indigenous dancers filled the streets to kick off the four-day Celebration festival. This annual event honors the rich and diverse cultures of Southeast Alaska's Indigenous communities.
The festival featured a wide range of activities, including traditional dances, music, and storytelling. The event also showcased the region's rich artistic heritage, with many local artists and craftspeople selling their wares.
One of the highlights of the festival was the arrival of canoes from the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, who embarked on an epic ocean canoe journey to reach Juneau. The canoes were welcomed in Petersburg, a small coastal town, before continuing their journey to the festival.
The Dakhká Khwaán Dancers from Yukon were also in attendance, leading a dance group at the festival. According to the dancers, the event was a "huge thing for us" and a great opportunity to share their culture with the community.
The Celebration festival is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous cultures in Alaska, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
