Fisher River Cree Nation sisters to compete at World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

Three sisters from Manitoba are gearing up to compete in the 35th annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest in Phoenix, Arizona. Kimberly, 17, Charisma, 15, and Nakiyah Mason, 8, will showcase their skills at the prestigious event held at the Heard Museum on February 15-16. Coming from the Fisher River Cree Nation, this will be the second time the Mason sisters participate in the championships.

Excitement is high as the sisters have been training diligently all year for this momentous occasion. Hoop dancing, a traditional Indigenous dance form, involves storytelling through intricate movements with hoops of various sizes. Charisma describes it as a dance that celebrates life, culture, and experiences.

The youth movement in hoop dancing is on the rise, according to Michael Webb, the Heard Museum’s public engagement manager. Each competitor brings their unique style and teachings to the competition, with a focus on healing through dance. The Mason sisters discovered hoop dancing nearly a decade ago and have since made it a significant part of their lives.

Last year, Nakiyah made an impressive performance at the championship, placing seventh in her category at just seven years old. The Mason family considers hoop dancing a family affair, with the upcoming road trip to Phoenix being an integral part of the experience. Spending nearly 30 hours together in a vehicle, they see it as a special bonding opportunity.

The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest draws dancers from all over Turtle Island, with last year’s event hosting 119 participants. Organizers and volunteers put in a year’s worth of effort to make the competition a success. This year, in addition to the outdoor championships, the Heard Museum will feature a hoop dance exhibition showcasing the history and artifacts of the dance.

As the Mason sisters prepare to compete once again, they are eager to soak in the experience and knowledge to share upon their return to Canada. With high hopes and determination, they aim to make their mark at the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest and continue to spread the beauty of this traditional art form.