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23rd Celebration officially begins with joyful opening ceremony

NOTN- One of Alaska’s largest cultural gatherings is officially underway this evening as Celebration 2026 opens in Juneau.

Organized by Sealaska Heritage Institute, this event brings together more than 1,800 dancers from 34 dance groups and is one of the largest gatherings of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples in the world.

This year’s theme is “Enduring Strength,” honoring the resilience and cultural survival of Indigenous peoples throughout Southeast Alaska.

The Grand Entrance took place 5 p.m. downtown, kicking off four days of traditional dance, art exhibits, Native foods, cultural demonstrations and community events.

Celebration continues through Saturday with a final parade, and will be broadcast statewide with KTOO public Television, and streamed live online by SHI. So even if you can’t be here for Celebration, you can still participate in the event.

Photo Capture from Sealaska’s Youtube livestream

Celebration began in 1982 and remains a powerful expression of culture, heritage and community.

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Celebration, Canoe Landing and City Budget Discussion on the Docket in Juneau next week

NOTN- Juneau’s got a busy few weeks ahead as the city prepares for the arrival of the 2026 Canoe Journey and continues discussions on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida will welcome canoes ashore Tuesday, June 2, during the 2026 Canoe Journey Landing in Juneau ahead of Celebration.

Community members, families and visitors are invited to gather for the event.

One landing is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Áak’w Kwáan Landing at the Auke Village Recreation Area. Parking at Auke Rec is limited, and shuttle service will run from the University of Alaska Southeast between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A second landing is planned for 2 p.m. at the Huna Totem Corp. lot at Egan Drive and Whittier Street downtown.

Celebration begins June 3-6, held by Sealaska Heritage Institute, the theme this year is “Enduring Strength.”

Several city meetings are also scheduled Wednesday, June 3.

The Juneau Commission on Sustainability will hold a regular meeting at noon via Zoom. The Eaglecrest Board Sales and Communications Committee also meets at noon by Zoom.

Later in the day, The Assembly Finance Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. in Assembly Chambers, with participation also available through Zoom and YouTube livestream, this is ahead of the June 8 Assembly meeting, which city officials say is the final opportunity for public input on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget before adoption.

On May 20, the Assembly Finance Committee adopted nearly $4.7 million in proposed reductions to the budget. The reductions included cuts to partner agency grants, capital projects, city services and the restricted budget reserve.

The Assembly also introduced four ordinances May 27 that would amend the city’s Sales Tax code and generate additional tax revenue.

Those ordinances will also be discussed during the June 8 meeting.

The Assembly must adopt a final budget by June 15.