The name Ts’amiks means “lighting, light creator.” The Nisga”a people are from a large landmass situated in Northern BC The Nass River valley has been much in the news lately because of the modern day treaty. The Nisga’a Nation have lived from the there for thousands of years in for large clans, which are the Raven, the Eagle, the Wolf and the Killer Whale.

 

The Ts’amiks dancers are a large group made up of singers, dancers and drummers. They are the only Pacific Northwest nation that drums in four-part harmony, which makes their sound very distinct from other nations. The songs and dances they bring us are very old, having been handed down by mothers, fathers and elders and chiefs. Some of the stories are 3000 years old, but their spirited performances in traditional regalia and masks are proof of a tradition very much alive today.

The songs are very spiritual, but are also full of fun and games. Although the stories are simply told, they resonate with pride and tradition. Since animals were sacred creatures thought to have spiritual powers, most songs are about interactions between people, animals and the heavenly and earthly bodies-the sun, the moon, the rivers, mountains, trees, the birds and the fish in the ocean.

To Contact The Nisga'a Ts'amiks Dancers

Simanthia Tait email:simanthia@gmail.com , Phone:(778) 565-6304

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