One of the last provinces in Canada to be settled by European explorers, British Columbia is home to total of twenty-seven distinct First Nations with more than two-hundred communities with eight different language groups throughout British Columbia and Vancouver Island(1).
Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak’wala Speaking People) are located on Vancouver Island and have dances to celebrate all major events in life, convey family positions and community history and ceremonies to pass on traditions and responsibilities through songs and dances. Feasting with invited guests is a vital way the Kwakwaka’wakw conduct ceremonies in their region. Family members and guest invited to feasts play an important role in attending by being present to bear witness to the family’s history, which will be reenacted through songs, dances and stories. The family honours its guests through the feast and the giving of gifts(9).
This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.
1) http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/map.htm
9) http://nativedance.ca/index.php/Kwakwaka%27wakw?tp=z&bg=5&ln=e&gfx=h&wd=2