First Nations ring in lunar new year with Hobiyee celebration

The beats of drums and sounds of traditional songs echoed in Vancouveras First Nations celebrated Hobiyee.More than 7,000people filled the PNEon theweekend, to take part inthe annual event.

The celebration marks the new year for the Nisga'apeople, and coincides with thewaxing of the crescent moon in February.

Hobiyee stems from the Nisga'a word Hoobixis-hee, which refers to the bowl end of a wooden spoon.

According to the Nisga'a Nation website, if the moon is crescent shaped then this signifies a bountiful coming harvest for the Nisga'a people. If the crescent of the moon is closed, then it foreshadows a poor harvest.

First Nations groups participating in the event included the Git Hayetsk, Kwhlii Gibaygum and Iswalh dance groups.

Approximately 500 singers and dancers from eight B.C. First Nations sang and danced to songs from their homelands.

Hobiyee originated in the Nass Valley, home of the Nisga's peoples.