06/10/2026
On behalf of Tlingit & Haida, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Sealaska Heritage Institute for another outstanding Celebration.
Celebration 2026 once again brought together thousands of Alaska Native people, families, dancers, artists, culture bearers, and supporters from across our homelands and beyond. Through song, dance, language, art, and shared traditions, Celebration continues to strengthen our connections to one another and to the cultures that have sustained our people since time immemorial.
We offer our sincere appreciation to the leadership, Board of Trustees, staff, and countless volunteers of Sealaska Heritage Institute whose dedication, vision, and hard work made Celebration 2026 possible. We also thank the clan leaders, dancers, drummers, artists, vendors, sponsors, and community members who contributed their time, talent, and energy to create such a powerful gathering. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is felt by every person who attends.
“Celebration is far more than an event—it is a living expression of who we are as Indigenous people. It is a time when our languages are spoken, our songs are sung, our stories are shared, and our young people witness the strength and beauty of their cultures. Each Celebration reminds us that our ancestors' teachings remain alive and that our future is strengthened when we come together as one people. The volunteers, staff, and leadership of Sealaska Heritage Institute dedicate countless hours to making this gathering possible, and our communities are stronger because of their efforts. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to preserving, perpetuating, and celebrating our cultures for future generations.”
— Chalyee Éesh, Richard J. Peterson
Tlingit & Haida President
𝗚𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗵é𝗲𝘀𝗵, 𝗛á𝘄’𝗮𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.
We already look forward to coming together again at Celebration 2028.
