News from Sealaska Heritage Institute, December 2006

Dates Are Set for Celebration 2008
SHI will sponsor the next Celebration, a biennial dance and culture festival, for June 5-7, 2008 in Juneau. "The theme will focus on land," said SHI President Dr. Rosita Worl, noting the Institute’s plans to release a book identifying Native place names across the region. The Institute is also planning to release a book featuring photos of dancers and their regalia at Celebration. The festival will likely include new activities highlighting traditional Native foods, including contests for the best red ribbon seaweed and the best soapberries. The Institute also plans to hold its second, biennial Baby Regalia Review since the first review proved popular during Celebration 2006. Since very young children had a hard time during the review, the age limit will range from 2-4 years. The Yakutat Mt. St. Elias Dancers were chosen to lead Celebration, an honor given to one group each festival.

SHI Completes Art Program in Hoonah
SHI is wrapping up a three-year Native art program which taught basket weaving and carving to Hoonah residents. The weaving program was taught by Delores Churchill and the carving program was taught by numerous artists, including Steve Brown. Some of the weavers are now selling their work to Hoonah tourists. Most students who completed the program earned a Northwest Coast Art Certificate from the University of Alaska Southeast. The program was funded through a grant from the Administration for Native Americans.

Interactive Version of Shanyaak'utlaax Now Online!
SHI has posted a new, interactive version of Shanyaak’utlaax (Moldy End or Salmon Boy) online. This version allows students to hear the Tlingit words spoken as they read the book. The e-book, an abbreviated version of a Kiks.ádi story, was narrated by David Katzeek and illustrated by Lisa Teas. It is posted online in SHI’s language resources section at www.sealaskaheritage.org. The paperback book and CD are also available through SHI.