Git Hoan Dancers to Showcase Culture of the Tsimshian Tribe at Heritage Center

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Git Hoan Dancers: People of the Salmon, Tsimshian - Representing Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque. The performance is part of the 11th annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

Git Hoan Dancers: People of the Salmon, Tsimshian - Representing Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest showcases the culture of the Tsimshian Tribe from Metlakatla, Alaska. Formed in the efforts to revive, practice, and share the Tsimshian way of life that was once forbidden, the Git Hoan Dancers share the magnificence of the Tsimshian art, resurrect the practice of the culture, and work to educate the world. The performance is filled with stunning, hand-carved masks, authentic skin and wood drums, and colorful, hand-made regalia emblazoned with symbols of the culture.

The performance typically includes a ceremonial procession and storytelling dances that tell the history of the Tsimshian First Nations People. Legends such as "Mouse Woman and the Cannibal Giant," "The Shaman and the Land Otters," "The Spirit of Potlatch," and "Killer Whale, Chief of the Sea" are vividly brought to life through dance. The dramatic impact of the performances is heightened by the use of mechanical devices that animate the heads of characters such as Raven and Killer Whale.

This remarkable group has a reputation of high energy, enthusiastic, and spirit-filled entertainment that thrills and educates audiences on the rich culture of the Tsimshian people. The Git Hoan Dancers have performed at venues including cultural celebrations, museums, art markets and shows, conferences, and grand opening events throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Tickets for Git Hoan Dancers: People of the Salmon, Tsimshian - Representing Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest may be purchased by visiting the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by calling 563.585.7469; or by visiting www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online for reduced ticket handling fees.

The Farber Box Office is open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

In its second year, the Heritage Performing Arts Loyalty System (H-PALS) continues to allow patrons to earn rewards with most ticket purchases. For every $200 spent on eligible events, patrons will receive one free ticket (valued up to $50) to their choice of eligible event. Reward points are redeemable for Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series events only. Please visit www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter and click on "PURCHASE TICKETS" for more details.