Not sure how long I've been attending Hobiyee, but I remember I was craving a cultural fix maybe five -ish years ago? I was extremely grateful a friend had told me about this traditional New Years celebration that the Northern nations hosted in Vancouver. My first year I went I was so moved, wow. I remember having this big lump in my throat watching so many brown beings beaming through culture. 

I mean, don't get me wrong, we have it here too & it's just as beautiFUL. I think I was just craving new, something in me was ready to explore other cultures, to hear songs I'd never heard before and to see dances I'd never seen.

To crave something you've never seen or heard before,

was almost like Hobiyee called me. 

Ok so after my long ramble how I need new, of course I plan my whole schedule around Ahousat performance.

I love my home &  my people and it doesn't matter how many times I've heard or seen the songs & dances from home,

I'll always be drawn to them. 

Though this image of these two isn't focussed, I still love it.

It amazes to think about what they've survived,

what they lost,

&

what they've hung onto. 

So grateful for them, even though they've lived

away from home most of their lives

they've somehow kept the

songs,

dances,

language

& our ways

alive while living in cities. 

I couldn't ever imagine living away from home lands & what that must feel like

but I can't help but think about the Friendship Centers that

hold those home spaces,

filled with community,

healing and culture. 

It was Ahousat's second year at Hobiyee and I was so happy to see the group grow. 

Wow, that takes commitment and leadership! 

Of course I"m always drawn to the circle, thankfully most Ahousat's still remember me enough to know that I am one of them. 

Therefore to middle I went confidently! 

No time for language lessons with these two, though I'd love to ask them about our own version of Hobiyee! 

To be born into this. 

Knowing this is exactly where you've always been and belong. 

Not everyone knows this. 

To the north! 

Githayetsk ,  if you've not heard of them, they are one of the most powerful, inspiring Indigenous story tellers! 

Miquel Dangeli, is a poweRHER house living & breathing, language full time! 

I'm always drawn to the teachers, learners & those living our Indigenous languages. 

Githayetsk
 it doesn't matter how many times I've seen them, it never gets old. 

Wal_aks, I've yet to hang out with him outside of instagram 

BUT 

he's on my must hang out with list. 

I love his story telling as well, they way he explains Hobiyee,

I could listen to over and over. 

He always remind me of an elder or old soul.

Those stories and traditions will fuel the unborn. 

To watch this father & son always make me wonder...

Do they know exactly how blessed & rich they are? 

What some son's would give to have this. 

I know, they know though.  

Then there's the Kwakwakawakw ! 

Their songs have an energy all their own. 

I've had the honour of sharing sacred spaces with a few Kwakwakawakw lately. 

Hearing parts of their stories. 

Their survivals. 

Their rebirths. 

Have given me so much hope

for those still awaiting their 

new lives that are really 

just their old lives

calling them back 
 

So maybe we all come to Hobiyee

to rebirth 

and or 

retell the same stories  

That our ancestors have told since the very beginning.  

Our lives will always 

revolve around

the Moon 

the stars 

ceremony 

& 

harvests. 

Always. 

So we'll never end.

They'll always be new stories 

Old Teachings 

Same songs 

Different dances. 

Speaking of, 

I tried to video record this song with my camera. 

It was an epic fail 

My camera was too heavy 

My arms were too weak. 

Plus I couldn't keep still long enough. 

My body wanted to dance 

&

My voice wanted to sing. 

I've only replayed this

about 100 times. 

So,  Thank you Hobiyee for refuelling my spirit. 

For reminding us to continue 

Praying 

Singing

Dancing

Learning

&

speaking

Our Languages.