Ted Adze, Meghan and Lolana Hart, Stoli, Nels, Lani, Silvi, Teddy Lynch, Wayne and Sherry Price, Nancy Keen, and Sue Clayton attended the Native Celebration event in Juneau from June 8 to 11. The Native Celebration is a tradition that started in 1982 and is typically held every other year. This year’s theme was “celebrating 10,000 years of cultural survival.” The attendants participated in dances, art markets, cultural demonstrations, and the toddler regalia review. “It was an uplifting experience and it was wonderful to participate in it after not being able to for so long,” said Harriet Brouillette, Chilkat Indian Association tribal administrator.
Nicole, Tim, and Dawson Holm moved back to Haines, Alaska, from Great Falls, Montana, where they had relocated in the fall of 2021. The family decided to return to the Chilkat Valley because they weren’t satisfied with life in Great Falls. Caleb Holm, who was a high school senior, moved back to Haines in January so he could graduate with his class.
Finnley Azureus Starnes was born to JoSharon Feldman and Nick Starnes at 2:34 a.m. June 6 at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches. JoSharon said she was grateful for the warm homecoming the family enjoyed on its return to Haines, with special thanks to neighbors Jim and Anna Jurgeleit for their help. Finnley’s grandad, Dr. Len Feldman, was in town last week, spending time with his new grandson and seeing old friends.
Lituya Jade Walsh was born to Jenn Walsh and Chris Downer at 10:51 a.m. June 14 at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. She weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 inches. Lituya Jade joins siblings Azeo James, 4, and Colour Sinclair, 1.
Heather Smith, Matt Hunter, and sons Bug and Thomas enjoyed the first visit to Haines by Heather’s mom, Susan, and her husband Ananda Jones, from Asheville, N.C. Heather’s sister Christine Trojanello and her fiancé Edwin Leskim also visited for a week, their first trip here in 10 years. The families enjoyed visiting Kroschel Wildlife Park, hiking Battery Point Trail, and attending open mic at the Pioneer. An unexpected treat was when a brown bear approached the family’s home on Helms Loop.
Paul Wheeler, Jeanne Kitayama, Leslie Ross, and Leslie Evenden were among Haines residents making the trip last weekend to Mount Lorne, Y.T., for a remembrance service for regional musician and entertainer Nicole Edwards.
Sharon Svenson is holding another mosaic class from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25-26. The class is held at Svenson’s studio at 6.5 Mile Mud Bay Road. The class costs $175. Call 907-766-2097 to sign up.