The Masks of the North-West Coast First Nations

This co-lecture by Mike and Mique’l Dangeli offers an in-depth view of the masking dancing traditions of the Tsimshian and Nisga’a First Nations. They also speak about the complex ways in which their personal practice of creating mask dances maintains rootedness with these traditions while expanding upon them to reflect and record their lives as 21st Century Aboriginal People.

MIKE DANGELI is of the Nisga’a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian Nations. He grew up in his people’s tradition territory in Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Mike is a renowned artist and carver. His work is collected and exhibited throughout North America and Europe. He is a singer, songwriter, and dancer. In partnership with his wife Mique’l Dangeli, Mike leads the Git Hayetsk Dancers – an internationally renowned First Nations dance group based in Vancouver, BC. He has carved over 50 of the masks performed by their group.

MIQUE’L DANGELI was born and raised on the only Indian Reserve in the state of Alaska. She is of the Tsimshian Nation of Metlakatla Indian Community. Mique’l is currently a PhD Candidate in the department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory at UBC. She specializes in Northwest Coast First Nations Art History. Mique’l served her community for eight years as their Museum Director. She is a curator, author, dancer, choreographer, and co-leader of the Git Hayetsk Dancers. She has choreographed a large body of dances for newly composed songs among her nation as well as created new dances for ancient songs whose dance has been lost during their cultural oppression. The Git Hayetsk Dancers will perform at MASQ’ALORS! Festival Sunday, May 26Th at 4:00 pm (see the performances section).

Photo: Folklorerama and Git Hayetsk