Git Hayetsk is an internationally renowned Northwest Coast First Nations mask-dancing group located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and led in partnership by Mike Dangeli and Mique’l Dangeli. Git Hayetsk means “the people of the copper shield” in Sm’algyax, the language spoken by the Nisga’a and Tsimshian Nations. Since 2003, Git Hayetsk have shared their songs and dance at ceremonial and public events throughout Canada, the US, Europe, and Malaysia.

Mike Dangeli, a celebrated singer, songwriter, dancer, artist, and carver whose work is exhibited throughout North America, has carved more than 100 of the masks worn in the group’s performances. Mique’l Dangeli is a curator, author, dancer, and choreographer who has created a large body of works for both new music and ancient songs whose dance was lost during their cultural oppression.

Kwhlii Gibaygum Nisga’a Traditional Dancers are a family run group established in 2007 in Vancouver by founders Wal’aks Keane Tait, Adiiyoox Emily Tait, and Anmogam Dilx Zachary Tait. The Kwhlii Gibaygum Nisga’a (KGN) are dynamic, energetic performers who incorporate the stories, songs, and dances of their W̓ahlingigat (ancestors) into contemporary performances, bringing innovation and creativity to the table and taking to heart their cultural and traditional roles for every performance. Many of their songs originate from time before memory.

The KGN Dancers also perform mask dances and children’s songs that record a time in history, and have facilitated and presented workshops and outreach activities on story, song, and dance for schools, post-secondary institutions, and museums.