In photos: Hundreds gather to celebrate Hoobiyee, the Nisg̱a’a new year

The annual urban event took place at the PNE Forum on March 1 and 2 — with a program of dance, storytelling, food and more

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The crowd enjoys the drum drill by Host Group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers at Hoobiyee on March 2. All photos by Amy Romer

Featuring dancers from many coastal and interior nations, hundreds of people gathered for an urban celebration of the Nisg̱a’a new year, Hoobiyee, in “Vancouver” on Friday and Saturday.

The annual event at the PNE Forum was hosted by the Nisg̱a’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society, with two full days of programming on March 1 and 2.

The word Hoobiyee stems from the word Hoobixis-hee — or the bowl end of a wooden spoon.

“The event is a celebration for the Nisg̱a’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,” according to Nisg̱a’a Ts’amiks.

On March 2, the dark arena, lit by an electric crescent moon where performances were held, roared with drumming and song throughout the day. Every corner was filled with Elders, aunties, cousins and children enjoying the cultural event.

Líl’wat saq̓úta perform at the PNE Forum on March 2.
Líl’wat saq̓úta perform at the PNE Forum on March 2.
Líl’wat saq̓úta perform at the PNE Forum on March 2.
Gitlaxt’aamiks Ceremonial Dancers perform at the PNE Forum on March 2.
A drum drill by host group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers.
A drum drill by host group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers.
A drum drill by host group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers.
A drum drill by host group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers.
The crowd enjoys the drum drill by Host Group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers at Hoobiyee on March 2.
A drum drill by host group Nisga’a Ts’amiks Traditional Dancers.

Author

Amy Romer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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