Groups invited to perform at the festival will be selected primarily on artistic excellence and cultural integrity. Each year groups will be chosen from a diversity of coastal communities in order to represent a cross section of First Nations from the Northwest coast of North America. Please review the protocol section below.
Groups interested in applying to dance at the festival should call the festival director Margaret Grenier at 604-922-5277 or email margaret@damelahamid.ca prior to completing an application form.
Traditional Protocol
- Given that We yah hani nah is a formal presentation; all dancers must be in full traditional regalia to represent their community and rich family heritage. We ask that no jeans, t-shirts or running shoes are worn while performing.
- In accordance with the cultural sharing that will take place between Aboriginal communities and the audience in general, dance groups are asked to follow protocol in introducing each song with brief description of its origin and give proper acknowledgement of the Chief or House that the song belongs to.
- Although We yah hani nah is a traditional festival it is not a potlatch or feast. It is not appropriate that adoptions, name giving, memorial services, and other events that are a part of those traditional gatherings that take place within a home village’s territory be a part of the We yah hani nah festival.
