Sealaska Heritage sets Celebration 2028 for June 7-10, names Kake dance group to lead

The Sealaska Heritage Institute Board of Trustees has set Celebration 2028 for June 7-10 in Juneau and named Ḵéex̱' Ḵwáan, a dance group from Kake, to lead the festival. SHI announced the dates in a release Tuesday.

Celebration is a dance and culture festival that the institute has held every other year since 1982. SHI is urging participants to book hotel rooms early because accommodations fill quickly in Juneau during the festival. SHI cites a McDowell Group study that puts its economic impact at around $2 million.

Ḵéex̱' Ḵwáan translates to "Mouth of the Dawn Peoples." The multigenerational group has 150 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian members. Its roots go back to the 1970s, when children known as the Kake JOM Dancers began learning traditional songs and dances. In 1989, the group started making its own regalia and performing as Ḵéex̱' Ḵwáan.

The lead group opens and closes the festival, leading the Grand Entrance and Grand Exit songs as every participating group dances across the stage. "That requires the lead group to drum and sing for up to three hours straight during both processions," the release said. The honor goes to one group every two years.

SHI first announced Ḵéex̱' Ḵwáan as the 2028 lead group from the stage at the close of Celebration 2026 on June 6, according to a recording of the event.

SHI calls Celebration the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples in the world. It draws thousands of people and up to 2,000 dancers. Events include a Juried Art Show, a Native artist market and a parade across downtown Juneau.

Ahead of Celebration 2026, held June 3-6, SHI said more than 1,800 dancers from 34 groups would take part under the theme "Enduring Strength." The Anchorage-based Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian Dancers led that festival.

SHI has not announced a theme for Celebration 2028 or said when registration will open for dance groups and art competitions.