Hobiyee, also spelled Hoobiyee, Hobiyee, Hobiiyee and Hoobiiyee, is the Nisg̱aʼa new year celebrated every February or March. It signifies the emergence of the first crescent moon and begins the month Buxw-laḵs. Celebrations of Hobiyee are done by Nisg̱aʼa wherever they are located, but the largest celebrations are in Nisg̱aʼa itself and in areas with a large Nisg̱aʼa presence like Vancouver. Etymology Hobiyee comes from the phrase "" meaning the "moon is in the shape of the ." The is the bowl of the Nisg̱aʼa wooden spoon. Hobiyee thus signifies the potential for an abundant harvest (or filled spoon) if the crescent moon's edges point upward. Significance At Hobiyee, if the crescent moon is seen with its edges pointing upward, it foretells an abundant year of salmon, oolichans (), berries and various other foods. The months Buxw-laḵs and X̱saak indicate the end of the winter and the emergence of oolichans in the rivers, the first food supply to arrive when winter resources were depleted ( means 'to blow about' and means 'needles'; means 'to eat oolichans'). If a star is sitting in the centre of the crescent moon (""), it is a sign of abundance in Nisg̱a’a. Other positions of the stars around the moon have different interpretations. A sideways Hobiyee moon without a star sitting in it denotes a poor year of resources as was the case in 2006 Observance The (Nisg̱aʼa chieftains) were responsible for the proper management of resources on their lands as well as studying astrology. An adept would be able to practise the discipline which allows them to become a or meaning spiritual leader, medicine person or doctor. Some were considered able "to forecast the weather" and called (astronomer/astrologist). A would study the moon in Buxw-laḵs to determine when the harvest would begin in . Grandfathers would keep an eye on the moon, and upon seeing the Hobiyee moon, they would run into the village yelling, "" followed by children raising their arms in the shape of the Hobiyee moon. The 2017 date of the observance was February 14–15. References External links Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government School District 92 (Nisga’a) Gitmax̱mak’ay Nisga’a Prince Rupert/Port Edward Society Ging̱olx website Nisga’a People of the Rainbow Nisgaʼa Museum Nass River Indians Movie, Canadianfilm February observances Nass Country North Coast of British Columbia Observances on non-Gregorian calendars New Year in Canada