Congratulations to IPinCH Fellow Mique’l 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 “dance artists” (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’l and her husband Mike share the leadership of internationally renowned Northwest Coast mask-dancing group, the Git Hayetsk Dancers (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’l’s 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’l was the recipient of the Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS) Selma Jeanne Cohen Award for excellence in dance scholarship.
Mique’l became an IPinCH Fellow in April 2013. Since then, she has participated in a number of IPinCH events, and has contributed to the IPinCH blog, and to the IPinCH Conversations video series. In 2013 Mique’l graciously gifted IPinCH a song she composed. Entitled The Journey, Mique’l 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’l and the Git Hayetsk Dancers shared a wonderful performance at the IPinCH Fall Gathering.
