Members of the Lisims Nass Valley RCMP detachment say they took full part in the Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 Nisga’a New Year Hoobiyee celebrations that took place in Laxgalts’ap.
“The strength of the Nisga’a Nation is on full display during Hoobiyee,” said detachment commander Sgt. Louis-Philippe Gendron-Fafard. “I find myself and my staff extremely lucky to be to have such a strong relationship and to be able to partake in this weekend of celebrations.”
Officers participated in the raising of a pole at the Laxgalts’ap Community Centre. It is a replica of one now at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver that was damaged in a severe storm more than 100 years ago.
Throughout, RCMP members danced and sang along with the various dance and cultural groups, developing connections with the community for years to come, said Gendron-Fafard.
One of the officers who participated with the Laxgalts’ap group was Corporal Chad Doucette, a recent arrival to the detachment.
“My family and I have committed ourselves to learn more about the community we live in,” said Doucette.
“Learning the traditional songs and dances of the Nisga’a has been a great way to immerse ourselves in Ayuukhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a oral Culture and laws).”
In other detachment news, Gendron-Fafard said the recent arrival of a constable now means the detachment is at full strength. A house that will be the residence for another officer is just about finished, he added.