Thousands ring in lunar new year with Hoobiyee and the beat of the drum

The beat of drums and sounds of traditional songs echoed through the PNE Forum on Friday, as thousands came to celebrate the Nisga’a Nation’s lunar new year, known as Hoobiyee. 

Hoobiyee began as the celebration of the return of oolichan â€” an important food source for the Nisga’a â€”  to B.C.`s northern rivers. Following tradition, the shape of the moon at this time will foretell how bountiful food will be for the year ahead.

The Nisga’a Nation is located in the Nass Valley in northern B.C,. but more than 1,400 Nisga’a live in Vancouver.

Hoobiyee has grown significantly over