For the opening ceremonies, Centennial Hall was filled to capacity, with people in the aisles of the large ballroom. Some of the crowd milled through the corridors, or socialized in the parking lot and on the lawn.

"The concept of uniting people - from our ancestors to the current generation and future generations - is really important to the survival of our culture. The interrelationship is crucial," said Rosita Worl, president of the Sealaska Heritage Foundation, the sponsors of Celebration.