Celebration

Celebration is a major dance-and-culture festival held every two years. First held in 1982, it has become the largest cultural event in the state, drawing thousands of people to the capital. Along with dance performances, it features associated events, including a Juried Art Show and Competition, Native Artist Market, Native Artist Gathering., seaweed and soapberry contests, a Toddler Regalia Review, workshops, lectures and a parade through downtown Juneau. Celebration 2012 will be led by the Xudzidaa Kwáan Dancers of Angoon.  http://www.sealaskaheritage.org/celebration/celebration_2012.htm

The pictures below were taken at the kickoff parade Thursday morning.  Stay tuned for videos of the different clans and dance groups in the parade once I get them uploaded.

All different kinds of costumes were worn

A young girl let me take her picture before she joined the parade

 Tlingit people and Haida people are born into their identity through a matrilineal clan system: One's identity is established through the mother's clan. All Haida and Tlingit clans are organized into two major moieties: Eagle and Raven. In Tlingit, Yeil is Raven and Ch'aak is Eagle (Wolf is sometimes used interchangeably with Eagle). Each clan is made up of clan houses.  For more information, http://www.snowwowl.com/peopletlingit1.html

Gathering for the start of the parade