fNMI Dancing
Dancing in FNMI cultures are very important. There are a variety of different styles of powwow dances that could be taught to students. As well as Metis Jigging. Before trying to teach the students the dances yoursleves, talk to your local school FNMI Liaison and see if they know of anybody that could come in and talk/demonstrate these different types of dances. If that is not possible, the resources below will give you and your students and idea of how to perform a variety of powwow dances and also the Red River Jig which originates from the Metis culture.
The button above is linked to a website that talks about the ins and outs of a Powwow. Including the history of the Powwow and the various types of dances styles that can happen at a Powwow.
MetiS Dancing
For the Metis, dancing was also an important part of their culture. The most common instruments for Metis people to use was the fiddle. A lot of families had a fiddle, and if they did not then one could be made with birch bark and maple wood. The beat used in Metis music and dances is similar to Celtic hand drumming and the beat is comparable to scottish bagpipes. A lot of the Metis music and dancing was influence by Scottish, Irish, French and First nation. Below are a few Metis dances that would best be suited for a lower grade but could also work for higher grades as well.
POWWOW sweat
"Powwow Sweat" is a series of YouTube videos that break down certain Powwow dances so anybody can try and dance. Dances include jingle dress, men's fancy, traditional, and many more. Below will be a link to the YouTube channel, as well as a few of the videos to give you an idea for what the videos include.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCaf-2Zwyb-qyZKjtozHeQsQ/videos - The StyleHorse Collective (YouTube Channel)
www.youtube.com/channel/UCaf-2Zwyb-qyZKjtozHeQsQ/videos - The StyleHorse Collective (YouTube Channel)
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Red River Jig
The Red River Jig is the most famous Metis dance. In Michif (Metis language) it is called “oayache mannin”.
Attached below is a PDF, explaining the the history and culture behind the Red River Jig and also an explanation of the steps involved with the jig.
Attached below is a PDF, explaining the the history and culture behind the Red River Jig and also an explanation of the steps involved with the jig.