Institute asking participants to submit selfies, videos
April 22, 2020
(Toddler Regalia Review Application) (Indigenous Fashion Show Application)
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will hold a virtual Celebration during the time Celebration 2020 would have occurred if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.
SHI is planning live watch parties of previous performances and new videos of associated events from June 10-13 in lieu of an in-person Celebration, which was postponed to June 2-5, 2021.
During the live stream, people will be able to watch the programming together on SHI’s YouTube and interact with each other, said SHI President Rosita Worl. SHI also plans to have live moderators during the broadcast.
“During this time of uncertainty and fear, we need to come together somehow and celebrate our cultural survival. We as a people have been sorely tested in the past and survived many hardships. We will endure, but our people need something positive to anticipate right now,” Worl said.
SHI plans to live stream performances from Celebration 2018 and cut in new footage between dance groups. SHI will accept applications for the toddler review and fashion show through May 15. Videos and images submitted will be produced into videos and shown during the broadcast. SHI will also showcase Juried Art Show pieces through an online exhibit.
The institute is also asking Celebration participants to send selfies of themselves to CeleSelfies@sealaska.com. These will be shared and later combined in a photo collage in lieu of the panoramic photo usually taken during the event. SHI is also seeking short phone videos from participants greeting viewers.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
CONTACT: Amy Fletcher, SHI Media and Publications Director, 907.586.9116, amy.fletcher@sealaska.com
Caption: Celebration 2004 by Bill Hess.
