The Nisga’a Nation’s annual Hobiyee starts tomorrow in Laxgalts’ap with the raising of a totem pole followed by traditional food and dance.
Celebrating the start of the Nisga’a harvesting season and the Oolichan run, Hobiyee is marked by the crescent moon in February. Observing the moon, if a star sits within the bend of the crescent, a plentiful harvest season can be expected.
The responsibilities of Hobiyee are shared throughout the nation, with each of the four villages taking turns hosting the event. Taking place in Gitwinsihlkw last year, the celebration has moved down the Nass River to Laxgalts’ap, next year it will continue to move down the river to Gingolx before making its’ way back up to Gitlaxt’aamiks.
Bobby Clark, director of communications and inter-governmental relations for the Nisga’a Lisms government, says that community members volunteer to help organize the celebration.
Often, when harvesting and processing their foods like fish or moose throughout the year, community members will process extra specifically to provide their traditional delicacies to Hobiyee guests.
This year, the festivities start with attendees gathering at the Laxgalts’ap carving house on Friday at 9:30 a.m. to start the process of the Simoogit Laay’ pole being raised.
Friday evening will see a celebratory feast for the pole at 6:30, with cultural dance performances from several communities surrounding all of the festivities.
Saturday events will start with breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by Prince George’s UHNBC Traditional Drummers performing at 10 a.m. to start a day of singing, dancing, and celebrating which ends with a grand finale at 10 p.m.
