Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the Tribal Host and Hostess for the 91st Annual Tribal Assembly, recognizing two respected cultural leaders whose lifelong service has strengthened Tribal communities across Southeast Alaska.
The 2026 Tribal Assembly will be held September 23–25, 2026, in Juneau, Alaska. The event has been moved from its traditional spring schedule following a unanimous decision by the Executive Council in July 2025. Under the Tribe’s Constitution, the Executive Council is authorized to establish the dates of Tribal Assembly to best serve the needs of the Tribe.
We look forward to welcoming delegates, Tribal citizens and guests to Juneau for this important gathering of Tribal leadership and citizens.
Tribal Hostess: Janet L. Peele, Dadexoaagh
Jan Peele is a proud Tlingit woman whose lifelong commitment to cultural stewardship, leadership, and service has strengthened generations of Tribal citizens. As Matriarch of the Haandei I Jin Tlingit Dance Group and the G’ana’k’w Canoe Family, she has helped preserve and share Tlingit traditions while inspiring generations of culture bearers throughout the region.
With more than 30 years of professional leadership and decades of dedicated service to Tlingit & Haida and Native communities, Janet embodies the values of culture, family, and service.
Jan is Kaax’oos.hittaan (Eagle/Wolf, Sockeye Salmon). Her Tlingit name is Dadexoaagh.
Tribal Host: Mike Jackson, Ka.oosh
Mike Jackson has dedicated decades of service to the community of Kéex (Kake) through leadership, cultural preservation, and the arts. He served for 25 years as the District Court Magistrate in Kake and has spent more than 18 years helping lead Circle Peacemaking through the Organized Village of Kake Tribal Court.
An accomplished carver, artist, and respected cultural leader, Mike continues to share the teachings passed down through his family and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading Circle Peacemaking trainers.
Mike is Tsiits Git’anee (Haida) and Tlingit. He is Kaach.ádi (Raven Freshwater Sockeye – Tlingit) and Eagle-Hummingbird (Haida). His Haida name is Iihljiwaas and Tlingit name is Ka.oosh.
The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida is honored to recognize Janet and Mike as the Tribal Assembly Host and Hostess for the 91st Annual Tribal Assembly. Their dedication to culture, leadership and community reflects the enduring values of the Tribe and will help welcome delegates and guests as they gather to conduct the business of the Nation.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, and congratulations to Janet and Mike!