Congratulations to IPinCH Fellow Mique鈥檒 Dangeli who recently completed her Ph.D. in Art History at the University of British Columbia. Her dissertation, titled Dancing Sovereignty: Politics and Protocols of Northwest Coast First Nations Dance, focuses on the work of 鈥渄ance artists鈥� (choreographers, composers, and dance group leaders) and the way in which they enact "dancing sovereignty"--a concept she coins in her work--through dynamic assertions of protocol (Indigenous laws).
Mique鈥檒 and her husband Mike share the leadership of internationally renowned Northwest Coast mask-dancing group, the (People of the Copper Shield), based in the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. The Git Hayetsk share the songs and dances of their ancestors as well as compose and choreograph new ones to reflect the challenges and victories of their experiences as First Nations people today. Having danced in and led groups throughout her life, Mique鈥檒鈥檚 situated knowledge is the lens through which she approached her doctoral research. Her thesis is the first art historical analysis to focus on Northwest Coast First Nations composers and choreographers whose work is vital to dance group performances.
In 2013, Mique鈥檒 was the for excellence in dance scholarship.
Mique鈥檒 became an IPinCH Fellow in April 2013. Since then, she has participated in a number of IPinCH events, and has contributed to the , and to the . In 2013 Mique鈥檒 graciously . Entitled The Journey, Mique鈥檒 was inspired to write the song after participating in the IPinCH Cultural Commodification workshop. The Journey has since been used to open and close many of our IPinCH videos and podcasts.
Mique鈥檒 and the Git Hayetsk Dancers shared a wonderful performance at the IPinCH Fall Gathering.