Amanda Brown of the group Tsimshian Haayuuk from Washington state dances in a Raven button blanket. BRIAN WALLACE/ THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Web posted June 9, 2002

By RILEY WOODFORD
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Twelve dance groups participated in the first Celebration in 1982. This weekend almost 50 dance groups from throughout Alaska, western Canada, Washington and Hawaii converged in Juneau to perform at Celebration 2002.

Three days of events wrapped up Saturday night, with closing ceremonies at Centennial Hall. Related activities continue this afternoon with canoe races and a picnic at Sandy Beach.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Celebration. The biennial gathering of Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida people and their guests is organized by the Sealaska Heritage Institute.

"It's growing," said Don Bremner of Sealaska Heritage Institute. "If we support this properly, there's so many positive things that can come out of this. The language, songs and dances are important not only to Natives but to all society."

Jack Strong, formerly of Klukwan and leader of the ANCHA dancers from Bonneylake, Wash., dances Thursday at Centennial Hall. The group is comprised of Alaska Natives living in Washington state. BRIAN WALLACE/ THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

David Boxley dances with a killer whale transformation mask he carved. The first public appearance of the mask was during the performance of Tsimshian Haayuuk of Washington state on Thursday at Centennial Hall. The inner part of the mask was made of alder with abalone inlay and perculum shell; the outer part was carved out of red cedar. BRIAN WALLACE/ THE JUNEAU EMPIRE