The Git-Hoan Tsimshian Traditional Dancers performed at Celebration 2016 during the welcome ceremony and closed out Celebration on Saturday, June 11. I shot over 3,000 images during the four-day festival. It took me awhile to dig through the pile and decide on my favorites. I love the moment of energy between three of the lead drummers synched together in their drum beat. I am extremely honored to be the photographer to document this amazing event for the Sealaska Corporation.
“For four days every other June, the streets of Juneau fill with Native people of all ages dressed in the signature regalia of clans from throughout Southeast Alaska and beyond. There is traditional song and dance. Arts and crafts. Food. And people speaking local Native languages. This is Celebration, our biennial festival of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Celebration is one of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native peoples and is the second-largest event sponsored by Alaska Natives in the State of Alaska. The event draws about 5,000 people, including more than 2,000 dancers. Thousands more watch the event online.” – Sealaskaheritage.org
Thanks for visiting. Camera: Nikon D800, Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm F/2.8, ISO 4000, hand held, digital capture – ©Mark Kelley
