Olivia Rose, KFSK

Over 100 years and miles later, the first traditional canoe from Petersburg completed its maiden voyage. After launching late last month, the pullers on kéet yaakw arrived in Juneau on June 2 just ahead of the biennial Celebration festival, and say the 10-day Journey was powerful in many ways.

The local tribe says the launch itself was also a historic first for the community.

Traditional canoes like this one typically belong to a single clan. But Petersburg’s local tribe decided to have this canoe designed to include everyone.

Celebration is a big festival that happens in Juneau every two years. Thousands of people gather to honor and uplift Indigenous culture — some travel for the occasion by canoe.