Dantsikw are dance props of the first nations

First Nations

First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...

 Kwakwaka'wakwa people of British Columbia

British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...

, Canada. These boards were employed in during the Winter Ceremonials (Tseka). In the Tuxwid ("One Who Traveled") warrior ceremony, the initiates would demonstrate supernatural powers granted by Winalagilis / Sisiutl

Sisiutl

The Sisiutl is one of the most powerful crests, and mythological creatures in the mythology of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Skwxwu7mesh and various other Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, and figures prominently in their art, dances and songs...

 by summoning Dantsikw power boards from underground, and making them disappear again. This act commemorates Winalagalis

Winalagalis

Winalagalis is a war god of the Kwakwaka'wakw native people of British Columbia. He travels the world, making war. Winalagilis comes from North to winter with the Kwakiutl...

' supernatural canoe that could travel underground.

Shaman might also use dantsikw to construct a representation of the Land-Otter canoe as a vehicle to travel to the spirit world.