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First Nations dance troupe celebrates Indigenous pride at Hoobiyee 2019

Hoobiyee is like “a huge family reunion”

By Samantha Peng and Candice Lipski , in City Feature story , on February 13, 2019

The northwest coast First Nations mask-dancing troupe Git Hayetsk performed in early February at Vancouver’s Hoobiyee, the annual Nisga’a Lunar New Year event.

Mike and Mique’l Dangeli, who lead the group, have watched Hoobiyee grow from an intimate Nisga’a occasion to a large-scale celebration of Indigenous pride.

“It’s been so beautiful to see the growth and the excitement, and the pride in who we are as Indigenous people,” said Mike Dangeli.

The Git Hayetsk is one of many Indigenous dance groups that perform at Hoobiyee.

Hoobiyee is like “a huge family reunion,” according to Mique’l Dangeli.