Elder Margaret Harris (1931-2020) is a respected Cree Elder from Northern Manitoba. Her years of experience and her wealth of traditional knowledge and wisdom is invaluable in guiding the Dancers of Damelahamid. As an Indigenous knowledge and performing arts instructor, Margaret deeply influenced the current generation of artists. This included her work at the Institute of Indigenous Government in Vancouver, BC (1994 – 2003) and the Traditional Mothers Dance Group, Vancouver, BC (1992 – 2015). Margaret was instrumental in the revitalization of Coastal dance in the communities of Metlakatla, Alaska & Port Simpson, BC, through the First Nations Dance Revival Initiatives (1973 – 1977). For this work, a pole was raised in her honour at the Metlakatla Indian Community Founders Day Celebration (2003). With her late husband Kenneth Harris, Margaret founded the Haw Yaw Hawni Naw Annual Salmon Festival (1967 – 1986) in Prince Rupert, BC. Margaret owned LaHaine Arts and Crafts art store and studio in Prince Rupert, BC (1973 – 1983). As a foster parent she cared for over 50 Indigenous children between 1957-1986.

Kenneth and Margaret Harris were recognized for the impact that they had in Indigenous performing arts, receiving the Centennial Medal from Queen Elizabeth (1967), and the Golden Jubilee Medal from British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor (2003), and were inducted into the National DCD Hall of Fame (2019).