Hear that? That’s the sound of the Red River Jig, and it’s bringing hundreds of Métis dancers and fiddlers with it this week to St. Albert.
The Métis Spring Festival returns to Servus Credit Union Place this weekend. Organized by the Métis Child and Family Services Society of Edmonton, this annual competition, now in its seventh year, brings about 900 guests to St. Albert each year for a celebration of Métis culture.
“It’s basically sharing our culture with other people,” says organizer Florence Gaucher.
About 70 dancers and fiddlers will spend most of this weekend performing traditional Métis dances and songs, particularly the infectious Red River Jig. Some $20,000 in prizes will be up for grabs.
Professional performers such as the world-famous Asham Stompers and Sagkeeng’s Finest (winners of the 2012 Canada’s Got Talent competition) will also perform at the event.
New this year is the return of the talent show, which replaces last year’s Seniors’ Opry concert. Last held in 2012, the talent show will give performers a chance to sing a song of their choice before a panel of judges.
Gaucher said they decided to bring the talent show back due to its appeal to young people, as the fiddling and jigging typically draws the adults. It’s open to anyone aged seven and up.
Visitors can also sample traditional wares made by Métis artisans at the event or catch up with old friends, she says.
St. Albert’s Luc Gauthier says he’ll be on stage as one of the Métis Child and Family Services Jiggers, having danced with the group for 11 of his 20 years.
Gauthier says he got hooked on jigging after he expressed an interest in it upon seeing a performance as a child. After his mom dragged him to dance lessons for two weeks, he realized he liked it, and formed some lifelong friendships.
“It’s like being in a band,” he says of the thrill of the dance.
“You get on stage, everyone’s looking at you and you start dancing.”
Métis jigging is a cross between Irish and First Nations dancing, he explains. Trained eyes might spot the side-to-side and heel-to-toe movements typical of many aboriginal dances and the shuffle and double-steps of Ireland.
“It’s lively. It’s got soul.”
But it’s also struggling in the Edmonton region, as few youth today seem interested in it – a fact Gauthier blames on the distractions of video games and social media.
“Right now, our dance group is the only one in Edmonton that I know of that dances,” he says.
“I have to dance, because if I don’t, it’ll just get lost.”
Culture is part of your identity, which is why it’s so important to pass it on, Gaucher says. Having strong cultural roots also builds self-esteem and confidence in children.
“Every ethnic group needs to carry on that culture.”
And you don’t have to be Métis to attend or compete in this festival, as a few people have mistakenly believed, Gaucher says.
“We’d welcome anyone to come.”
The festival runs all afternoon on May 16 and 17 starting at 1 p.m. The talent show starts at 7:30 p.m. on May 17. Tickets are $10, or $7 for those aged 6 to 12. Kids under 6 get in free.
Call Gaucher at 780-452-6100 ext. 227 for details.
