When the announcement came that Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim had been selected as Celebration 2026’s Lead Dance Group, the reaction was overwhelming and incredibly joyful. “Everyone is screaming and crying and just happy,” recalled Se’iga Liimii Marcella Asicksik. “It was a good surprise and gave us a new goal for this year.” For the dancers of Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim, the honor felt like a recognition of two decades of dedication to preserving and sharing Tsimshian culture from their ancestral homelands.
Based in Anchorage or Nigyooks, the group was founded in 2005 by Se’iga Liimii and her mother, Theo Bayou. At the time, the pair noticed an absence of Tsimshian representation in Anchorage. Driven by their love for traditional songs, dances, and a desire to create a place where their people could gather, learn, and celebrate their culture, together, they founded Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim – Our Dance in Our Hearts.
What started as an act of cultural representation soon became an awakening of a leader.
When discussions of who should lead the newly formed group, Se’iga Liimii never imagined the responsibility would fall onto her. “Sissy Stands, from Metlakatla, said, ‘Well, we’re all looking at you. I think we all made our decision.’ And I was like, ‘Me?’”
At just twenty-five years old at the time, Se’iga Liimii doubted she was ready, “I didn’t think I was old enough to lead a group.”
Yet the dance group saw something in her and, reluctantly, she accepted the role. Still carrying uncertainty, she visited her home in Metlakatla that summer where she received much needed advice from the late master carver, Wayne Hewson.
His words would stay with her for years.
“You know what? You know too much to just sit there and do nothing. You have a lot of knowledge of songs and dances. I think you’re going to do just fine,” he told her. “You’re where you need to be.”
Now twenty years later, more than ninety people have danced with Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim, and more than forty-three active members continue to dance today. In 2025, the group celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a two-day feast in Anchorage, welcoming local dance groups and Git Hoan to join in the milestone. Once the anniversary festivities ended, the dancers immediately turned their attention toward Celebration 2026.
Inspired by this year’s theme, Enduring Strength, the group gathered to discuss the message they wanted to share. Together, they brainstormed ideas that reflected their group’s strengths. Se’iga Liimii then worked with Sm’algyax speaker, Sagoo Lit’aa of Kitsumkalum, British Columbia, over Zoom where they transformed their ideas into a new and original composition written specifically for Celebration’s Grand Entrance and Exit.
The preparation for Celebration extended beyond song composing for Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim dancers and Se’iga Liimii. Her group members all worked and learned together to create and sew new regalia, including the debut of Se’iga Liimii’s new blanket that deeply encapsulates both her cultural identity and personality.
“My favorite color is purple,” she said. “I found this material called Lamé and it’s shimmery… It really stands out.”
The blanket incorporates mother-of-pearl buttons she has “hoarded” since 2007 and features a traditional T-pattern traditionally seen in Tsimshian Raven’s Tail weaving. It also includes elements inspired by the work of her auntie, Dolly Garza.
But perhaps the most personal touch Se’iga Liimii added is one some folks might miss at first glance. “I’m a big Star Wars fan,” she chuckled. Using leftover sealskin, she crafted a Rebel Alliance symbol adorned with red beads and now proudly wears it as a tie on the front of her blanket.
At the heart of her blanket is a crest designed by David R. Boxley called Mommy and Me. The design depicts two ravens facing one another, symbolizing the matrilineal bond between Se’iga Liimii and her mother. Within the ravens’ tail feathers are spirit faces representing the ancestors whose presence continues to guide and support her journey.
Today, Se’iga Liimii continues to look ahead with hope and positivity.
While pursuing her master’s degree, she remains committed to strengthening the future of Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim. She is actively encouraging the dance group members to obtain passports so they can travel and build connections overseas. One of her hopes, near and dear to her heart, is to receive an invitation to perform in Yakutat.
As the group concluded their lead at Celebration 2026, the moment felt especially meaningful. What began as a mother and daughter determined to ensure Tsimshian culture had a place in Anchorage has grown into Se’iga Liimii standing at the head of a dance group carrying songs, stories, and traditions into the future.
And just as master carver Wayne Hewson told her all those years ago, she is exactly where she needs to be.
View More Photos from Celebration 2026: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccthita/albums/72177720334116429/
Watch Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim’s Performance at Centennial Hall: