Alaska Day, also known as Reconciliation Day, marked 159 years since Alaska was formally transferred from Russia to the United States. Sitkans lined Lincoln Street on Sunday (10-18-26) to watch the annual Alaska Day parade, followed by a reenactment of the transfer on Noow Tlein, or Castle Hill.

(KCAW/Salemo)
Two U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters fly over Lincoln Street in Sitka. (KCAW/Salemo)
Seattle Fire Department Pipes and Drums perform while marching down Lincoln Street. (KCAW/Salemo)
Rachel Moreno holds up a sign that reads “‘Gunalchéesh’ Sheet’ka Kwaan for your care of Tlingit Aani for time & memorial” while reenactors raise the U.S. flag on top of Noow Tlein, also known as Castle Hill. (KCAW/Salemo)
Kids sit on top of a canon on Noow Tlein, or Castle hill, to watch the reenactment of Alaska’s formal transfer from Russia to the U.S. (KCAW/Salemo)
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka members march down Lincoln Street. (KCAW/Salemo)
Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins waves from a float during his hometown’s parade. (KCAW/Salemo)
(KCAW/Salemo)
2026 Miss Alaska Jr. Elementary waves from a truck bed. (KCAW/Salemo)
Police Chief Mike Hall tosses candy to children watching the parade. (KCAW/Salemo)
(KCAW/Salemo)
(KCAW/Salemo)