Git Hayetsk Dancers

Git Hayetsk Dancers

The Git Hayetsk Dancers are an internationally renowned dance group led in partnership by artist and carver Mike Dangeli (Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Tlingit, and Tsetsaut Nations) and Dr. Mique’l Dangeli (Tsimshian and Tlingit Nations), Assistant Professor of Indigenous Arts in the Department of Art History and Visual Studies at the University of Victoria.

Git Hayetsk means “people of the copper shield” in Sm’algya̱ x, the language spoken by the Nisga’a, Tsimshian, and Gitxsan Nations. The copper shield is the highest form of ceremonial wealth shared among their people as well as other First Nations along the Northwest Coast. Their dancers are bonded by their connections to the Sm’algya̱ x speaking peoples with distinction in their family ties to the many other Nations in Northern British Columbia, the Yukon, and Southeast Alaska. Since 1999, they have shared their songs and dances at ceremonial and public events in urban and rural communities through Canada, the US, and abroad including Austria, Malaysia, Germany, and Japan.

The Git Hayetsk Dancers challenge themselves to learn and practice the artistry of dance, song composition, choreography, and regalia-making to the standards of wealth, power, and prestige embodied by the copper shield. With deep love and respect for their communities, they draw their strengths together to give life to the songs and dances of their ancestors as well as bring to life new ones that reflect their experiences as First Nations people today.

www.Githayetsk.com

Social media: @GitHayetsk

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Jay Genaille