22 Jan How to Hoobiyee

Each year a large contingency of Ambassadors from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre attend Hoobiyee, the Nisga’a New Year celebration at the PNE Forum. The team attend with family and friends, proudly joining their respective nations to share their distinct cultures through song and dance.

One of the most dedicated Hoobiyee attendees is Cheximiya Allison Burns Joseph (Squamish Nation). We caught up with her to get the nitty gritty on how to attend Hoobiyee the right way:

Hoobiye is one of the best times of the year! Each year many different communities from all around British Columbia get together and share in celebration through art, song, storytelling, food and so much more. Hoobiye is the celebration of the Nisga’a New Year and is celebrated each year in February. Traditionally, this was done in their own territory, but the Nisga’a have a large population residing in the Lower Mainland, so they have brought the celebration to the city of Vancouver. Hosted at the PNE Forum (2901 E Hastings Street Vancouver, BC), the Nisga’a have been making this a tradition in the area for several years and it always lifts my heart when I attend.

I love to bring our Indigenous Youth Ambassadors each year so they can join in the celebration. Many of our family members represent their nation at the event each year and share many songs and dances to all in attendance. Some people who witness are Nation members from all over Turtle Island; others are school groups, supporters of Indigenous culture, or just plain curious! If you do attend, Mr. Bannock is a must each year for food. Other delicious dining options are all located at the entrance of the building, so you can’t miss them.

It is free admission so don’t be shy to come and enjoy with us! Hundreds of people from all walks of life join each day to spectate, shop and share in the good energy.

How to get to Hoobiyee:

If you plan on attending, Translink is great and drops you off very close to the location. Or, if you are carpooling / driving, they have tons of parking available at a small fee.

Hoobiyee 2020 is Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29; both days start at 10.30am through until 9pm.

For more information, visit http://www.tsamiks.com/hoobiyee-2020.html#, or follow the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/2901-e-hastings-st-vancouver-bc-v5k-5j1-canada/nisgaa-tsamiks-hoobiyee-2020/506676053270225/