Dancers of Damelahamid, in partnership with the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC, announce the 10th annual Coastal First Nations Dance Festival, a celebration of Indigenous stories, song and dance from Canada and abroad, February 28 – March 5, 2017 at MOA’s Great Hall. In this landmark season, audiences will encounter traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistry through performances, enhanced educational offerings and youth programming, as well as monumental ceremonies to open and close the festival.
The roots of the Coastal First Nations Dance Festival can be traced to Ken and Margaret Harris, the founders of the Dancers of Damelahamid. In 1967, the Harris’ began the Haw yah Hawni naw Festival in Prince Rupert to educate those wishing to regain their ancestral dance and art traditions following the 1951 lift of the Potlatch Ban. In 2008, Margaret Grenier and the Dancers of Damelahamid worked with the Harris’ to revive the festival in Vancouver and engage a new generation of artists.
The 10th annual festival welcomes artists from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, The Maritimes, Yukon, Alaska, Hawai’i and New Zealand. New and not-to-be-missed this year: a performance by Peter Espiritu, Founder and Artistic Director of Hawai‘i’s critically acclaimed contemporary dance company Tau Dance Theater; Sto:lo youth dance troupe, the Semoya Dancers from Chilliwack; Modern Métis jigging and square dance works from Vancouver’s own Compaigni V’ni Dansi, and emerging Métis artist Marcus Meratsy; as well as the West Coast premiere of Eastern Owl, an all-female, seven-member drum group from St. John’s, NL. Known for their folk-infused, inspirational songs, Easter Owl recently launched their first album, Not Quite Like You.
The 2017 Coastal First Nations Dance Festival comprises five primary components:
Signature Evening Performances - Ticketed gala events featuring headline performances from Dancers of Damelahamid and special guest artists.
Festival Stage Performances - Showcase presentations from visiting performers.
School Group Performances - Weekday sessions introducing K-12 students to the rich history and traditions of First Nations dance, performance, and storytelling.
Youth Workshops: Charles Koroneho (New Zealand artist) and Jessica McMann (Cree hoop dancer) will lead an expanded series of workshops, a unique opportunity for mentors and youth to connect in a responsive environment that strengthens intergenerational ties and facilitates traditional learning techniques.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies *NEW: On March 2, the 10th annual festival will open with a ceremony showcasing artists representing various regions and styles. The closing ceremony on March 5 will honour the work contributed by many artists and mentors over the past 10 years.
The 2017 Festival hosts a range of returning audience favourites, and first-time festival performers. For program details, visit: damelahamid.ca
Dancers of Damelahamid + MOA present the 10th annual Coastal First Nations Dance Festival
Dates: February 28 to March 5, 2017
Ticket Prices: School Group Performances
(Feb 28, Mar. 1 + 2):
Included with MOA admission (pre-booking required, contact bookings@moa.ubc.ca or call 604-822-3825)
Youth Outreach Workshops
(Feb. 28 + Mar. 1 at 2:30pm)
Presented in partnership with UBC FNHL. Free admission. Register by contacting info@damelahamid.ca
Special Festival Opening Event
(March 2, 5-9pm)
Included with MOA admission.
Signature Evening Performances
(Mar. 3 + 4, 7:30pm):
Tickets: $30 for Adults,
$25 for Students/Seniors/MOA Members
Festival Stage Performances
(Mar. 4 + 5)
Included with MOA admission
Special 10-year Anniversary Closing Ceremony
(Mar. 5, 3pm)
Included with MOA admission
*Admission to MOA is free during the daytime performances for persons of Aboriginal ancestry
Address: Museum of Anthropology at UBC 6393 Northwest Marine Drive Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Box Office: ticketstonight.ca
Website: damelahamid.ca
Image: Ana Pedrero
