Hobiyee celebrations will be held in the Nisg̱aʼa village of Gingolx and hosted by the Gingolx Cultural Dancers this year.
Hobiyee is the Nisg̱aʼa new year celebrated every February or March. Celebrations are held every year in one of the four villages in the Nass valley, rotating annually, with celebrations in Vancouver as well.
“Hobiyee” refers to the crescent and phases of the moon. If the crescent of the moon is open, it signifies that the food is overflowing and the year’s harvest will be bountiful. If the crescent of the moon is closed, it means it will be a difficult year harvesting food for the winter.
It also signals the arrival of oolican to Nass River. Since oolican is the first source of food for the Nisga’a, Hobiyee is also referred to as the new year.
Steven Doolan, chairman of the Cultural Dancers, spoke with CFNR about what to expect at the Feb. 23-24 celebration where they will be “honoring our harvesters both past and present.”
