By Maggie Patsey
What an amazing weekend of celebration for Hobiyee 2012. How great to be in the presence of so much energy. We are abundant! Hobiyee!
I absolutely love the energy and life of our Nisga’a culture and spirit. Our history, culture, and traditions displaying how powerfully woven our communities and families are.
The beat of the welcoming drums calling – come experience the beating heart of a living culture, traditions – one heart, one nation! Sacred dances so delicately carried out. Fun and new dances intricately intertwined.
Pride and honour and spirit of Nisga’a so powerfully celebrated.
Our culture is so proudly honored. Simoogit, and Sigidimhanak present a powerful presence of honour and continuity of life! The hearts of our nation celebrating abundance in song and dance. The coming together of communities, the tradition and energy is powerful, the heart of our nation, so many paths join in sacred peace and harmony.
The young are so eager to present their dances to honour our elders, to share our knowledge, our dance, to share. The rhythms of the dance hall present a beautiful song of unity; the heartfelt drumming of our Nisga’a Nation sharing with other nations.
Nisga’a Hobiyee 2012 provided a blend of traditional dances and culture, with roots reaching far into our history. Our host community, Gitlakdamix, did a wonderful job of welcoming our nation and bringing celebration to the spirit of Nisga’a. May the hearts, homes and community of Gitlakdamix be forever blessed with the same abundance they have shared.
Laughter and colourful chatter shared over dance and song, our cultural meals are so generously shared. The tribal picnic brought tribal families together to share a meal. It was so nice to hear the music of our youth as we mingled. The traditional dances being taught, every step, every movement, has meaning. Our songs carry the history of a nation strong with tradition and culture. Our songs telling the story of family or community or our nation, or teaching a lesson. We are abundant! Hobiyee!
Warm smiles received and delivered. Longtime friends and family embrace and re-connect.
See you all next year, Hobiyee 2013 in Gitwinksihlkw.
Antaam lax Ga’askw Gaak (Maggie Patsey).
Wilps Ksim Xsaan