Mukluks On The Ground

06/03/2026

We are so excited to see one of our board members, Caroline, traveling to Juneau this week to participate in the Celebration! She is traveling with her dance group, the Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian dance group, one of the 34 dance groups attending.

Wishing safe travels to everyone attending and a meaningful week of connection, culture, and community!

CELEBRATION 2026 TO KICK OFF NEXT WEEK: Event to be broadcast, streamed live

Event program: https://bit.ly/Cele2026-Program

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will kick off its biennial Celebration next week, marking 44 years since the inception of the popular dance-and-culture festival.

The event began as a way for Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people to gather and celebrate their cultural survival. This year, the theme is “Enduring Strength.”

“This Celebration, we can rejoice in the timeless strength of our people as evidenced over the thousands of years we’ve faced adversity with resilience and fortitude,” said SHI President Rosita Worl.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Over 1,800 dancers from 34 dance groups will participate this year. Along with dance performances, Celebration features several associated events, including a Juried Art Show and Competition, a Juried Youth Art Exhibit, a Native Art Market, Native food contests, a Toddler Regalia Review and a parade through downtown Juneau. The event will also feature several new events.

The Grand Entrance is scheduled for 5 pm, Wednesday, June 3, at Centennial Hall, and Celebration ends with the Grand Exit at 5 pm, Saturday, June 6.

SHI will sponsor a live, statewide broadcast of Celebration on KTOO 360TV public television — reaching viewers across Alaska via over-the-air, cable, and satellite — as well as a live stream on the institute's YouTube channel and on KTOO's Roku and Apple TV apps.

The Celebration 2026 art was designed by Tlingit artist Bill Pfeifer, Jr, (Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa) who won with his piece “Endurance and Strength: The Power of the Clan House,” which was inspired by the 2026 theme, Enduring Strength.

“We have survived environmental and climate changes, the loss of our lands, public policies that nearly wiped out our cultures and epidemics that diminished our populations. We have been tested, and almost erased. Yet we are still here,” Worl said.

Watch live: https://bit.ly/4vg1uIx

Read more: https://sealaskaheritage.org/celebration-2026-to-kick-off-next-week/

06/01/2026

🐠 Hosting our 2nd Annual Setnet Fishing Workshop - Wednesday June 24, 2026 with support from The CIRI Foundation!

Welcome Alaska Native and American Indian participants (ages 12+) to apply for a one-day, hand-on setnet fishing workshop focused on cultural connection and traditional knowledge.

🔹️Learn how to set and harvest a net
🔹️Process fish
🔹️Go home with the fish you helped catch
🔹️Intergenerational learning encouraged

🌟 Space is limited and participants will be selected. Participants are responsible for travel.

🐟 Submit your application by scanning the QR code or following the link below:

https://forms.gle/CgEqdczriiNWL65UA

05/12/2026

Check this out!

What a great way to honor Carol and create more opportunities 🌱

The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics is proud to offer the Carol Pickett-Hull Memorial Scholarship — honoring Carol whose strength, grace, and dedication to Arctic Sports continue to inspire generations.

This scholarship supports athletes who are committed to preserving and advancing traditional Native games by helping cover travel and registration costs for upcoming Arctic Sports competitions.

Applications available here: https://www.weio.org/scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate strong sportsmanship, commitment to Arctic Sports, and submit a personal statement reflecting their goals and connection to the games. Apply today and carry forward the spirit of Arctic Sports.

Want to support the next generation of athletes? You can donate to the Carol Pickett-Hull Memorial Scholarship here: https://square.link/u/rxXGRoBM

04/21/2026

Wrapping up the second part of our day at Alaska Native Cultural Charter School and our hearts are full. 🧡

The afternoon sessions brought even more energy, curiosity, and connection. By the end of the day, we had the opportunity to work with over 200 students who came through to learn—so great to see that level of interest and engagement!

We were also honored to be invited to join a talking circle with the 5th graders—such a meaningful moment to listen, share, and connect on a deeper level.

It was amazing to watch students build on what they learned earlier—gaining confidence, working together, and really getting into the spirit of the games.

Moments like these remind us how important it is to create space for culture to be shared in a hands-on way. The laughter, teamwork, and respect shown throughout the day made it truly special.

Grateful to be part of a day that continues to strengthen connections and carry traditions forward. 🙌

04/20/2026

We are having such a fun time sharing Dene Hand Games with the students at Alaska Native Cultural Charter School during their Cultural Week! 🧡

This was just the morning session, and we’ve already seen over 120 students so far—so amazing to see so many young people getting involved!

There’s something special about passing on traditions—teaching the songs, the rhythms, the strategy, and the meaning behind the game. And along the way, we’re learning too—growing in how we communicate, connect, and share these teachings with the next generation.

Watching the kids learn, laugh, and engage with the culture was truly powerful.

Dene Hand Games are more than just a game—they bring people together, build confidence, and keep traditions alive for the next generation.

Honored to be part of this experience and help keep the culture strong. 🙌

04/19/2026

As Traditional games season comes to a close, we’re reflecting on how powerful this community truly is. 💙

The games are more than competition—it builds strength, confidence, discipline, and pride in culture. These games connect youth to traditions, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the season.

We’re honored to have been part of State NYO (SNYO), the final gathering of the season, and so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in something so meaningful.

A huge thank you to all the tribes, regions, and corporations who invited us and trusted us to serve as officials. Your support makes these events possible and keeps these traditions strong for the next generation.

Until next season! 🙌

04/13/2026

And it’s a wrap until next year!

So much energy and culture at the 9th Annual Traditional Games in Juneau! 💪✨ Athletes from across Alaska—and even around the world—came together to compete in powerful events rooted in Indigenous traditions, celebrating strength, skill, and community. From high kicks to stick pulls, every moment honored heritage, teamwork, and personal growth! 🧡

04/12/2026

Seal Crawl from Labrador Canada being shown after events had been today.

Great cross culture sharing!

04/11/2026