MÉTIS DANCE

The costume of the men differs not at all from that of others in the same class of life; not so, however with the females: they still cleave to the usages of their great-great-grand-mothers. The use of the bonnet is unkown; instead thereof, the head is covered with a close-fitting scull cap, made of cloth or printed calico, and bound with red or blue worsted tape; a short jacket of wollen cloth in winter, and of cotton in summer, with a petticoat of homespun cloth composed of cottong and woollen, of a striped pattern invariably. A few years since, moccasins, made of undressed hide, was the sole covering for the feet of both sexes; these are now rare, having been superseded by the shoe. A white muslin kerchief, stiffly starched, form the usual covering for the head going to Chapel – on which, to their credit be it said, they are constatant attendants.”

John Lawson

Letter X, Letters on Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, 1851, p. 38

OUR DANCE - EASTERN METIS

Many aspects of our traditional dance style came from the old country 400 years ago with the arrival of our first French ancestors that arrived on the shores of what is now Nova Scotia. The oldest dances were the rondes and the branles, and the dancers often sang songs that provided the musical accompaniment. Circle dances, chain dances, and dances belonging to the family of the contra dance seemed to be the most prevalent in Acadia and New France in early times.
Through intermarriage with the Mi’kmaq, and influence of new immigrants such as the Scottish and Irish which introduced new musical instruments such as the fiddle, our dance began to incorporate new steps, sticks and bones to keep beat, and costumes that blended both Indigenous and European culture.
The last influence that also helped to shape our dance was religion. Since many of the priests did not like dancing, people would dance in their chairs at home so people couldn’t see their feet moving if they looked in the window while walking by.

To Acadians and Metis who share this style of dance in eastern Canada, it not only serves as a means of entertainment, but also a show of pride and culture which which is distinct to us.

OUR DANCE - WESTERN METIS

Much like the Acadians and Metis dance style in the east, western Metis dance originated from both Indigenous and European influence, taking elements of Indigenous step and tap dance to produce a new style of dance.
The most famous Metis dance is the red river jig, or as it is known in Michif, oayache mannin. Other dances include the Rabbit Dance, the Broom Dance, and the Sash Dance.
The Metis in the west also incorporate items such as the broom and the sash into routines as well which makes their dance style distinct from other Metis.