Sealaska Heritage Institute announces dates for Celebration 2028
Published 11:30 am Saturday, October 24, 2026
Mark the dates on your calendar. The Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) Board of Trustees has officially set the dates for its next biennial dance-and-culture festival.
The vibrant sights, traditional songs and dances, and signature regalia of Southeast Alaska Native clans will once again fill the streets of Juneau from June 7 to 10, 2028 for Celebration 2028. The largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples in the world has become one of the largest events in Alaska since its inaugural event in 1982.
SHI Trustees also named Kake-based multigenerational group Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan as the the lead dance group for the festival, which sees over 5,000 people attend — including up to 2,000 dancers.
“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,” SHI stated. “That requires the lead group to drum and sing for up to three hours straight during both processions.”
The honor is given to one dance group each Celebration.
Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan is made up of 150 Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian members, and traces its roots back to the 1970s when a group of children called the Kake JOM Dancers started to learn traditional songs and dances. The group began making regalia and performing as Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwáan in 1989. The name translates to “Mouth of the Dawn Peoples.”
Celebration includes several events spread across multiple venues throughout downtown Juneau, such as a Juried Art Show, native artist market, and parade. The event is also a documented financial boon for Juneau, with a McDowell Group study finding its economic impact around $2 million.
“The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend,” SHI added. “Participants are encouraged to book hotel rooms early as accommodations fill quickly in Juneau.”
