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Métis Culture and Traditions Collection

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Catalogue Number:  LM0026
Producer:  LeMay Media
Directors:  Lemay, Matt
Producing Agencies:  LeMay Media
Subject:  Arts, Canadian History, Canadian Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Family Studies/Home Economics, First Nations Studies, History, Indigenous Issues, Indigenous Peoples, Social Sciences, Social Studies
Language:  English
Grade Level:  3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 - 12, Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin:  Canada
Copyright Year:  2021
Running Time:  19:00


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Collection includes five segments:

  • Métis Jigging - Métis jigging originated in the Red River area. It is a combination of First Nations dancing and Scottish and French-Canadian step-dancing, and reel, jig and quadrille steps. Some of the more popular jigs are the “Red River Jig", the “Rabbit Dance”, the “Broom Dance”, and the “Sash Dance". In this segment, Bridget and Brianna from the Métis Crossing Interpretive Centre in Alberta teach us all about the Red River Jig. (4:02)
  • The Buffalo Hunt - Giorgi from the Métis Crossing Interpretive Centre in Alberta teaches us about the buffalo hunt on the Plains of Alberta. The buffalo hunt played an integral part in the development of the Métis Nation. Buffalo hunting provided the Métis with a livelihood, and helped sustain their way of life. Giorgi also discusses the rules of the hunt and the community. (4:06)
  • The Métis Fiddle - The fiddle has figured prominently in the lifestyle of the Métis people for hundreds of years. It is the primary instrument for accompanying the Métis jig. Since this European instrument was exceedingly expensive in early Canada, especially for grassroots Métis communities, many craftsmen learned how to make their own. The fiddle is still in use today and plays a prominent role in celebrations as a symbol of early beginnings and the joyful spirit in which they lived and grew. Brianna from the Métis Crossing Interpretive Centre in Alberta shares her knowledge of the Métis fiddle. (3:05)
  • The Métis Homesteads - Maria from the Métis Crossing Interpretive Centre in Alberta discusses the historical homesteads found at the centre. She discusses how homes were built, what various people worked at such as making bannock, being a blacksmith and gardening. (2:49)
  • The Métis Sash - The sash was used by the Métis as a practical item of clothing. It was decorative, warm and could be used to replace a rope to tumpline if none were available. The sash has been the most persistent element of traditional Métis dress, worn long after the capote and the Red River coat were replaced by European styles. (5:09)



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