See pdf version of the release below.

For Immediate Release

Nisg̱a’a Nation Celebrates Hoobiyee with Song and Dance, Laay̓ Pole Raising and International Panel Discussion on Ni’isjoohl Pole Repatriation

February 22, 2023 – New Aiyansh, B.C.: The Nisg̱a’a Nation kicks off its annual Hoobiyee celebrations in Lax̱g̱alts’ap this week where several Nisg̱a’a Village, Nisg̱a’a Urban and neighboring nation dance groups will converge in song and dance over a two day celebration on February 24 and 25.

In addition to the exciting line up of performances, the host community, Nisg̱a’a Village of Lax̱g̱alts’ap will start off the festivities with a traditional pts’aan (totem pole) raising on the morning of Friday February 24

The pole belonging to the Nisg̱a’a Lax̱sgiik (Eagle) Wilp (House) of Laay̓ is a beautiful replication of the original ’Eagle-Halibut Pole of Laay̓’ pole that currently stands at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The intricate designs of the pole were recreated by Nisg̱a’a carvers Ts’awit - Calvin McNeil, Sbiyee - Gerald Robinson and Judith Moore at the Lax̱g̱alts’ap Carving Shed. The pole will be guided by Nisg̱a’a Simgigat (Chiefs) and Sigidimhaanaḵ’ (matriarchs) and carried from the waterfront carving shed to the Lax̱g̱alts’ap Community Centre where it will stand permanently after the raising ceremony.

The Nisg̱a’a G̱anada (frog) Wilp of Ni’isjoohl will host Scottish officials to continue important preparations for the repatriation of the Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole that stands in Edinburgh at the National Museum of Scotland. Following the Nisg̱a’a delegation’s trip to Scotland in August of 2022, on November 30 2022, the Scottish Government accepted the request of Sim’oogit Ni’isjoohl – Earl Stephens and Sigidimnaḵ’ Nox̱s Ts’awit – Dr. Amy Parent to return the pole of their ancestors back to Nisg̱a’a Lands.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to share Nisg̱a’a lip wilaa loom̓ - Nisg̱a’a way of life with the Scottish officials by bringing them to Hoobiyee celebrations in Lax̱g̱alts’ap,” said Dr. Amy Parent. “As with our Wilp (House) pole that they will be returning to us, they will see how our culture thrives and how our history is told through the beat of the drum, song and dance.”

Sim’oogit Ni’isjoohl, Dr. Parent along with the Nisga’a delegation that traveled to Scotland in the summer of 2022 will participate in an International Panel Discussion entitled ’Preparing to Bring our Ancestors Home’ with the Scottish officials in Vancouver on Wednesday February 22nd. In-person and virtual registration may be found at the link above.

“The Nisg̱a’a Nation has so much to celebrate. It is incredibly encouraging that our culture remains vibrant and strong as we gather in song and dance at Hoobiyee,” said President Eva Clayton. “As we enter a new season of harvest, it is imperative we continue to make every effort to keep our language and culture alive and well through our deeply embedded connection with Ḵ’alii-aksim Lisims, our Nass River and our lands, mountains and streams.”

Hoobiyee is the Nisg̱a’a Nation celebration of a new season of harvest beginning with the arrival of saak – oolichan that is a staple of the Nisg̱a’a diet. After long, cold winters when supply of preserved foods were nearing depletion, the Nisg̱a’a celebrated the arrival of the oolichan and often shared the bounty with neighboring nations.

Annual Hoobiyee celebrations rotate through the four Nisg̱a’a Villages of New Aiyansh, Gitwinksihlkw, Lax̱g̱alts’ap and Ging̱olx. The Nisg̱a’a Urban Local of Vancouver Ts’amiks has also hosted annual Hoobiyee – Ts’amiks Edition celebrations in recent years following the official festivities on Nisg̱a’a Lands.

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For further information:
Bobby Clark, Director
Communications & Intergovernmental Relations
T: (250) 615 3786
E: bobbyc@nisgaanation.ca
W: www.nisgaanation.ca