"Celebration 2024"

The name of the piece — Dancing in the Summer Rain — comes from the way those new design elements come together musically. 

The procession marks the kick-off of the four-day Celebration festival in Juneau — a biennial gathering that honors and uplifts the culture of Lingít, Haida and Tsimshian people.

The paddlers came from across Southeast and parts of Canada, journeying for days to arrive for the festival.

This year’s event promises almost 1,600 dancers from 36 dance groups, including the lead dance group Dakhká Khwáan Dancers from Whitehorse, Canada.

Celebration kicks off on June 5 in Juneau.