Vancouver, February 21, 2023 – Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society will be celebrating the Nisga’a New Year, Hoobiyee, on March 3rd to March 4th at the PNE Forum with over 500 dancers performing.
The event is a celebration for the Nisga’a people coinciding with the waxing of the crescent moon in February or March, generally when the oolichan begin to make their return to the Nass River. The name stems from the Nisga’a word Hoobixis-hee, which refers to the bowl end of a wooden spoon.
“After a two-year mandatory hiatus, Hoobiyee is back and we are excited for this year’s theme, Restoring Our Roots” says Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society, President, Andrea Burrell. “The theme signifies our return to the PNE, after being disconnected from our culture, language and practices due to the pandemic and the Canadian Government banning our practices, culture and ceremonies through residential schools and the 60’s Scoop. Our goal is to bring all Nations together, through dance and drumming.”
Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society is the official host of Hoobiyee in Vancouver, BC, which has been happening for the last 17 years at the PNE Forum. This year, audience members can look forward to watching over 500 First Nation Dancers performer at the event, with dance groups from the USA and Squamish Nation. There will be 70 Indigenous Vendors selling arts, crafts, jewellery and cultural goods, along with Indigenous food trucks on site.
“We know culture plays a significant role in maintaining our mental health and we want to restore the roots that run in our bloodline by breathing life back into our culture. We look forward to having everyone come together to celebrate the Nisga’a New Year.” says Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society, CEO, Tony Robinson.
Hoobiyee will be taking place at the PNE Forum, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, from March 3 to March 4, 2023, from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm. We invite everyone living in or around the greater Vancouver area to attend this year’s Hoobiyee event, as we honour our ancestors, survivors and community.
