Dancers of Damelahamid Bring “In Abundance” to Abbotsford Schools

The Dancers of Damelahamid, an internationally recognized Indigenous dance company, recently brought their performance In Abundance to schools across the Abbotsford School District. The photos featured here are from their presentation at Abbotsford Traditional School (ATS), one of many schools that welcomed the group.

The company includes performers of all ages, from infants to elders, reflecting a living tradition passed down through generations. The name Damelahamid refers to a place of origin for the Gitxsan Nation, whose traditional territory is in northwestern British Columbia along the Skeena River watershed.

Through a combination of narration, intricately carved masks, and choreographed dance, In Abundance shares teachings centred on balance, community, and sustainability. Students experienced storytelling that brought the natural world to life. Movements inspired by animals such as the mountain goat and frog reflected a deep connection to the land, while themes rooted in the salmon cycle highlighted renewal and interdependence.

This opportunity was made possible through the district’s Indigenous Department, which invited schools to host the performance. Many schools across Abbotsford participated, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage directly with Indigenous knowledge and artistic expression.

Experiences like this help students make sense of the world beyond their own lived experience. By engaging with Indigenous perspectives, students gain insight into how different worldviews shape how people understand their relationship with the land, their communities, and the environment. This builds the empathy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking needed to navigate an increasingly diverse society.