40 Years of Celebration

40 Years of Celebration

Directed by Sarah Betcher
PO box 792012

Overview

Genre
Cultural History, Music, and Social Issues
Synopsis

In 1982, Sealaska Heritage Institute held the first Celebration, a gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian of Southeast Alaska. It was held at the urging of Elders, who worried the cultures were dying after a period of severe oppression. They also wanted to celebrate that their cultures had survived.

Celebration started off with primarily Elder participants singing and dancing over a 4-day period every other year. The year 2022 marked the 40th Celebration, which now includes participation of all ages and includes associated events, such as a Juried Art Show and Competition, a Native artist market, Native food contests, a Native fashion show, a toddler regalia review, a parade through downtown Juneau, several affiliated events, and other special events.

Today, Celebration, which draws thousands of people every even year, is the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people in the world.

Stage
finished
Running time
64 minutes

Credits

Production Details

Prod. Co.
Farthest North Films
Country
United States
Years of Production
3
Locations
Juneau, Alaska
Prod. Partners
Sealaska

Distribution Details

Release year
2022
Festivals
Celebration
Distribution
The film shows on KTOO TV, as well as on YouTube
Broadcast (Prod.)
KTOO TV
Language
English, Łingít, Xaat Kíl, Sm'álgyax

Photos

B5231b8b07e56e679f7847c001321934

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