CELEBRATION PROGRAMS

The next celebration will be held June 8-11, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska.
(Tickets) (Schedule of Events) (Venue Map and Admission Rates)
Sealaska Heritage will hold an in-person Celebration in Juneau from June 8-11 in 2022.
The trustees also chose the theme Celebration 2022: Celebrating 10,000 Years of Cultural Survival. Celebration 2022 will mark the 40th anniversary of the event, first held in 1982.
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.
Celebration and Covid: To ensure the safety of all, vaccines and masking will be required at all Celebration events. It appears that the vaccine for children under the age of five will be available in time for Celebration. However, should the vaccine for children not be available, children will have their temperatures checked at the door, children ages 3-5 will be required to wear masks, and children ages 2 and under will not be required to wear masks.
Tickets
SHI will begin early ticket sales for Celebration and distribute dancer wristbands starting on Monday at the following times and locations:
- Monday, June 6, 1-4 pm, lobby of Sealaska Heritage (105 S. Seward St.). Credit card payment only.
- Tuesday, June 7, 1-4 pm, lobby of Sealaska Heritage (105 S. Seward St.). Credit card payment only.
- Wednesday, June 8, noon-9 pm, Centennial Hall, Cash and credit cards accepted.
Please come prepared with your vaccination card and ID. Photo of vaccine card is acceptable. Note that wristbands will be placed directly on wrists when received. Lost or removed wristbands will need to be repurchased.
Four-day pass:
- General: $35
- Youth (ages 7-12): $15
- Elder (ages 65 and up): $15
- Children ages 6 and under: Free
Daily admission:
Lead Dance Group
Celebration 2022 will feature two lead dance groups, both of Wrangell: Shx’at Kwáan (People Near the Mainland) and Kaasitlaan Dancers. Learn the Wrangell Coming In Song, which everyone will sing during Grand Entrance and Grand Exit. Learn the history of the Shx’at Ḵwáan Dancers.
Dance Groups
SHI is now inviting dance groups to apply to perform at Celebration. The application period has passed.
Toddler Regalia Review
SHI is accepting applications for its Toddler Regalia Review for children ages who are ages 2-5 years of age at the time of Celebration 2022, scheduled June 8-11. The application period has passed.
CANCELED: Indigenous Fashion Show
It is with deep regret that SHI is canceling the fashion show usually held during Celebration. A number of the designers, who ordinarily participate in SHI’s fashion show, will be participating in another fashion show, the dates of which were set prior to the dates of SHI’s event. We were uncertain as to whether Celebration 2022 would be held until January of this year, when the Board of Trustees made the final decision to hold Celebration 2022.
Northwest Coast Juried Art Show and Competition
SHI is accepting applications for its biennial Northwest Coast Juried Art Show and Competition, which will be unveiled at Celebration 2022. The application period has passed.
Juried Youth Art Exhibit
SHI is accepting applications for its biennial Juried Youth Art Exhibit, which will be unveiled at Celebration 2022. The application period has passed.
Native Artist Market
SHI is accepting applications for its Native Artist Market at Celebration 2022. The application period has passed.
Food Contests
SHI will hold food contests for best seaweed, seal oil, and dry fish during Celebration 2022. Prizes: First place: $1,000; Second place: $500; Third place: $250. The application period has passed.
Story-Telling
SHI is inviting shareholders and clan members to participate in a storytelling event during Celebration 2022, scheduled June 8-11. Interested participants are asked to share culturally-relevant stories, which SHI will record during Celebration for documentation and possible future use in education or cultural programs. The application period has passed.
Send us a Selfie!
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!.
Press Releases
SHI announces winner of Celebration 2022 art contest (12-28-21)
Three other entries also chosen to visually represent programs
Application period for Indigenous fashion show now open (12-17-21)
Event to be held in conjunction with Celebration 2022
Event to mark 40th anniversary of the festival
Sealaska Heritage sets dates for next Celebration (4-22-21)
Theme to be “Celebration 2022: Celebrating 10,000 Years of Cultural Survival”
Stories on Celebration
Coming soon.