The Chinook SongCatchers
The Chinook SongCatchers are an authentic Aboriginal dance group that descends from the Squamish and Nisga’a nations. This dynamic dance group has been representing their heritage at major venues in Vancouver for over fourteen years. Performing at multi-cultural festivals and art celebrations, and conducting welcoming ceremonies and blessings for international guests to Vancouver with a touch of Coast Salish hospitality.
The group is made up of Maurice and Delhia Nahanee, and their daughters Mandy and Marissa. Maurice is from the Squamish Nation and Delhia is Nisga’a from northern, BC.
The Chinook SongCatchers has traveled to international events as ambassadors of our respected nations, and have traveled to Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, Italy, and Turkey. It is their honour to be invited guests and represent their ancient history, singing traditional songs of prayer and celebration.
The SongCatchers usually begin their program with a grand entry welcome song. After they sing and dance their way to the stage, they introduce themselves in our traditional language. The next song is a prayer blessing song, and after that a song to honour the animals of the water (orca) and sky (eagle).
Next they honour the elders and women with the Snowbird
Song and dance. The grand finale song is a from the Nisga’a Nation. The Frog Challenge song offers an opportunity for the audience to participate and learn about Nisga’a culture. They exit the stage with the Peace Song.
Blessings and Welcomes can be done with as few as one, and an ensemble of any size can be assembled.
