10 MUSIC AND DANCE

FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT

MUSIC AND DANCE
Planning your FIRST STEPS
learning journey
How does a deep understanding First Nations, Métis and Inuit music and
dance embody cultural identity. For
of First Nation, Métis and Inuit example, “First Nations people had songs for
grieving, for birth, for joy, for prayer and for
music and dance support the
so many other significant ceremonies and
journey of reconciliation1? events. No ceremony, feast or event could
function without the prayers, dances and
songs of the First Nations people. Singers,
drummers and ceremonial people are
treated with respect and honour for their
gift of song.”2 The First Nations, Métis and
Inuit spirit and intent of music and dance is
at the heart of music and dance.
First Nations music and dance were
outlawed by the Indian Act3 as a tool of
forced assimilation and cultural destruction.
As a result, First Nations, Métis and Inuit
music and dance went underground for
many years. During the dark times of
cultural persecution and banishment, the
Métis jig remained, due to its European
YUET CHAN origins and Inuit forms of music and dance
were marginalized.
Bronson LaChance, Teen Traditional Powwow Dancer
 “My people will sleep for The Grand Entry12 formally begins a powwow, with
all spectators showing respect by standing and
one hundred years, but removing hats. An eagle staff is carried in with the
when they awake, it will sounds of the drums followed by dignitaries such as
chiefs, veterans, flag-bearers and then the dancers.
be the artists who give
Intertribal dances at powwows are open invitations
them their spirit back.” for all to dance, whether you are a dancer or a non-
Indigenous spectator.
—Louis Riel, July 4, 1885
Interpretations of each dance at a powwow may vary
across Turtle Island. Dance styles are divided into
male and female age categories although accepting
Despite policies of forced assimilation, music
two-spirit13 dancers within either gender category is
and dance were sustained, continued to be practiced
common.
and are being revitalized everywhere. Today the
beauty of music and dance is celebrated during many Male categories include the following:
community and public events across Turtle Island.4 The
• Grass Dance, which features movements and regalia
following are brief explanations of some components of
that resemble grass swaying in the wind; some
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit music and dance.
believe this dance is done to prepare the grounds for
the powwow;
POWWOW • Traditional, which evokes a warrior and protector;
Powwows bring many First Nations together across
5
• Fancy, which is energetic and colourful; and
many communities during the summer months, • Prairie Chicken, which mirrors the mating dance of
and even within the winter months too. Powwows a prairie chicken.
reinforce social bonds, spiritual beliefs, celebration
and common cultural heritage. Dance competitions, Female categories include the following:
special dance demonstrations, initiations, and feasts • Traditional, which is grounded in wisdom, grace,
take place during a powwow. On the last day, the host dignity and respect;
nation or powwow committee shows gratitude to its
• Fancy Shawl, which personifies beauty and
visitors by conducting a giveaway.6,7 freedom; and
Drum groups, where singers sit in a circle and sing • Jingle, a healing dance.
using a big drum,8 are integral to the powwow.
A host drum group leads, and other drum groups The Hoop Dance is reflective of the circle of life and
also participate, rotating songs for the dances. The our connection with the natural world.
drumbeat honours the heartbeat of our mothers.
Songs are unique to each dance style and have ROUND DANCE
been passed down for generations. Competitive and
The Round Dance14 is done as a memorial or to
noncompetitive dances and songs are shared at
celebrate. A pipe ceremony and feast begin the event,
powwows today. Honour songs9 show respect and
followed by hand drum songs and dances. Participants
are shared at a variety of events and ceremonies in
join hands and form a circle to dance in a clockwise
addition to powwows.
direction around the hand drummers. The hosts of
The visual landscape of a powwow is an energizing the round dance end the evening with a giveaway to
array of moving bright colours. “Regalia10 is unique honour the intent of the dance and offer thanks to
and sacred to each dancer. It should, therefore, not be those in attendance.15 A round dance can also occur
confused with or likened to a ‘play’ costume. Powwow
during social events and powwows.
clothing and accessories are created with great care
and attention and hold deep meaning and spiritual
significance to the dancer.”11

Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation

INUIT DRUM DANCING AND SONGS NEXT STEPS
Inuit drum dancing and songs16 tell stories, mimic
nature and celebrate events such as the first successful
»»»
hunt of a young boy or the birth of a child. The Inuit It is important to understand the history of
drum17 is made from caribou skin and is played by
music and dance in connection with cultural
hitting the rim of the drum rather than the skin.
identity and resilience of First Nations, Métis
Drumming is most often accompanied by dancing
and Inuit people. Seeking out events, and
in such ways as the polar bear style, inspired by the
movements of a polar bear in play, in which the drum opportunities, or inviting guests to perform

is held low with the drummer dancing around it. The is one aspect of appreciating and celebrating
drum also accompanies certain kinds of songs called Indigenous culture while learning the history,
ayaya. stories or teachings that go along with songs and

Inuit throat singing18 is traditionally performed by dances. All of this contributes to deeper levels
two or four women who stand face to face. One person of understanding and relationship building.
sets the rhythm with throat sounds while the other Powwows, round dances, jigging contests and
follows. Back and forth throat song sounds replicating other events are largely welcoming to guests.
the sounds of nature, such as a flock of geese or the Respecting protocols when participating and
Qamuti gliding on ice, continue until one breaks the
attending as a spectator in important. Refer
rhythm by laughing19.
to the Elder Protocol Stepping Stones25 when
seeking knowledge from Elders and Knowledge
MÉTIS JIGGING AND MUSIC Keepers. Having knowledge of Indigenous music
Métis jigging and music20 are a blend of First Nations’ and dance history as well as current practices
and Scottish, Celtic, Irish and French dance forms. The
will support teachers as they work with
jig is accompanied by the fiddle, which is a unique
students and families towards reconciliation.
style rooted in Celtic/Irish/Scottish violin sounds that
are combined with vigorous Indigenous rhythms.
Spoons are often played and combined with foot
tapping, which can be correlated with the rhythm of
drum beats. 21

Métis jigging 22 is an exuberant and celebratory

form of dance. A basic step of one, two, one, kick is
interwoven into all jigs and used to bridge various
fancy step changes. Dancers often compete with one
another for the fastest, most complicated footwork. 23

The Red River Jig is the most celebrated Métis dance,

and its name reflects the Red River area, which is
the historic home for many Métis in Canada. Other
jig styles include the sash dance, rabbit dance,
duck dance, reel of eight, drops of brandy, reel of
four and the broom dance. Métis jigging and music
inspire fun, laughter and an upbeat social atmosphere YUET CHAN

reflective of the Métis culture, which has been shaped Judy Gatto and Gary Lee perform at Prince Charles
School Fiddle Program.
by adversity and resilience.24

Stepping Stones | 10 | FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT MUSIC AND DANCE
Continuing NOTES
14. “Round Dance Singing.” Saskatchewan
your Learning
1. Reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation
Commission. https://nctr.ca/map.php. Indigenous Cultural Centre website. https://sicc.
sk.ca/round-dance-singing/.

Journey
2. Sylvia McAdam. 2009. Cultural Teachings:
First Nations Protocols and Methodologies. 15. Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). 2017.
Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, p 25. Education is Our Buffalo. ATA: Edmonton, Alta, 42.
a) Why is it important to 3. William B. Henderson. 2006. Indian Act. 16. “The Ulukhaktok Western Drummers and
go beyond a surface-level Canadian Encyclopedia website. http://www. Dancers—Inuvialuit HD Drum Dance Series.”
thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indian-act/. YouTube video. https://youtu.be/YyIYYgRgTkA.
understanding of First
4. “Gift of Song and Dance.” Saskatchewan 17. “Inuit Drumming Video Podcast for the Inuit
Nations, Métis and Inuit Indigenous Cultural Centre website. https://sicc. Cultural Online Resource.” www.icor.inuuqatigiit.
sk.ca/overview-of-pow-wow-tradition/
music and dance? ca/inuit-drumming.
5. “Pow-wow Dancing Styles and Meanings.” 18. “Inuit Throat-Singing Sisters from Canada.”
____________________________ YouTube video. https://youtu.be/MONgmqIpaW8. YouTube video. https://youtu.be/DLMlkjnYe0U.
6. “The Giveaway Ceremony.” 1975. 19. “Traditional Inuit Music.” Teacher as
____________________________ Saskatchewan Indian 5, no 15 (August): 14. https:// Researcher in Culture, Games, Music, Storytelling,
sicc.sk.ca/?s=giveaway
Traditional Knowledge blog by Morgan Bentham.
____________________________ 7. Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). 2017. https://leapintothevoidwithme.wordpress.
Education is Our Buffalo. ATA: Edmonton, Alta, 41. com/2016/04/12/traditional-inuit-music/.
____________________________ 20. “Métis Rhythms.” Parks Canada video.
8. “Big Drum Protocol and Teachings.” Simon
Fraser University website. http://www.sfu.ca/ https://youtu.be/qhgEch-TMVA.
____________________________ content/dam/sfu/aboriginalpeoples/Big%20
21. “Sierra’s Song.” Metis fiddle music video.
Drum%20Protocols%20and%20Teachings%20
http://dai.ly/x2nsals.
b) How can attending an upd%20nov%202017%20(2).pdf.
22. “History of The Métis Jig Dance.” YouTube
event, or inviting guests to 9. “Powwow Basics and Protocols.” University
of Saskatchewan website. https://web.archive. video. https://youtu.be/LknTxKuHl1k.
an event, that features and org/web/20170711143414/ps://students.usask.ca/
23. “The Métis.” Canada’s First Peoples website.
teaches about First Nation, documents/powwow101.pdf.
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_metis/fp_
metis5.html.
Metis or Inuit music and 10. “Powwow Dance Regalia Explained.”
YouTube video. https://youtu.be/UW4bRebdPws.
24. Lynn Whidden. 2006. “Music of the Metis.”
dance be considered an act
11. Michael John Simpson. 2016. “Powwow Canadian Encyclopedia website. http://www.
of reconciliation? Dances.” Canadian Encyclopedia website. https:// thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis-emc/.
thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/powwow-
25. Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA).
____________________________ dances.
“Elder Protocol.” Stepping Stones series. ATA:
12. “Powwow Basics and Protocols.” University Edmonton, Alta. https://www.teachers.ab.ca/
____________________________ of Saskatchewan website. https://web.archive. SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/For%20Members/
org/web/20170711143414/ps://students.usask.ca/ ProfessionalDevelopment/Walking%20Together/
____________________________ documents/powwow101.pdf. PD-WT-16g%20-%20Elder%20Protocol.pdf.
13. Michelle Filice. 2015. “Two-Spirit.”
____________________________ Canadian Encyclopedia website. http://www. Editor’s Note: All websites cited in the Notes were
thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/two-spirit/. active at the time of publication.
____________________________

Stepping Stones is a publication of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Walking Together Project intended to support certificated teachers
on their learning journey to meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit
Foundational Knowledge competency in the Teaching Quality Standard.
Walking Together would like to acknowledge the contributions
of First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members within Alberta
in developing these resources.

For additional resources and information on Walking Together, visit

www.teachers.ab.ca.

www.teachers.ab.ca walkingtogetherata @ATAindigenous

PD-WT-16j 2019-09