Tripp J Crouse, KTOO

Editor’s note: 360 North is under contract with Sealaska Heritage Institute to produce television and online video coverage of Celebration.

“It’s a continuing effort to strengthen who Native people are as Native people,” Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott said. “This voyage for many has a particular focus on the revitalization of Alaska Native language and of course it’s all having to do with coming together at Celebration here in Juneau which was began by Sealaska in 1982 and which continues today held every two years.”

Editor’s note: 360 North is under contract with Sealaska Heritage Institute to produce television and online video coverage of Celebration.

Editor’s note: 360 North is under contract with Sealaska Heritage Institute to produce television and online video coverage of Celebration.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of canoes finished their weeklong journey to Juneau. The landing is the unofficial beginning of Celebration. The days-long festival is held every two years to celebrate Southeast Alaska Native culture.

The group of canoes have traveled from Ketchikan, Sitka, Kake, Angoon, Hoonah, Yakutat — even Canada.

Clan leaders at Douglas Harbor gave permission to One People Canoe Society and its canoes to land. And then they welcomed those arriving by water at the boat ramp.

Many of the canoes will travel to the former Thane Ore House across Gastineau Channel for a community gathering and potluck. The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is turning the site into a cultural immersion park. 

Southeast Alaska’s largest Native cultural gathering officially begins Wednesday. Celebration has happened every other year since 1982. This year’s theme is “Respect: Weigh Your Words.”

About 5,000 participants and 2,000 dancers will take part in Celebration this year.

Celebration also includes a juried adult and youth art show, a regalia care workshop, a Native artists market and the ever-popular toddler regalia revue.

Editor’s note: 360 North is under contract with Sealaska Heritage Institute to produce television and online video coverage of Celebration.

A 35-year-old man was stabbed in downtown Juneau after he allegedly challenged multiple people to fight.

According to a Juneau police news release, officers and Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to a report of a stabbing near Marine Way and Ferry Way at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Police talked to the 41-year-old suspect. He told police he used a folding pocket knife, which was on a nearby bench.

The suspect told police the victim had challenged him to a fight, then punched him in the head. The suspect pulled out the knife and stabbed the victim. The suspect told police the victim walked away.

Emergency personnel found the victim in the 200 block of Franklin Street. He was laying on the ground and had a stab wound in his lower abdomen.

The 35-year-old was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The release said he was listed in stable condition.

Police interviewed the suspect and released him. An investigation is ongoing. Alcohol appeared to be a factor, the release said.

Juneau police arrested a man accused of brandishing a knife at Home Depot employees last month.

Patrick “Biscuit” Kane Jr. faces charges of theft, robbery and assault.

Police say employees attempted to stop him as he left the store with about $400 of unpaid merchandise. He pulled out a knife and escaped.

He also was arrested on a $200 warrant that charges a violation of conditions of release.

Online court records did not list Kane’s next appearance.