Métis fiddle facts for kids

Métis fiddle is a special way of playing the violin developed by the Métis people in Canada and the northern United States. It's known for how players use the bow to make drumming sounds. They also use other instruments like spoons to keep the beat. The Métis people are an Indigenous group with mixed European and First Nations backgrounds. Fiddles came to this area in the early 1800s. Scottish and French-Canadian fur traders brought them. The Métis quickly made the fiddle a big part of their culture.

What is Métis Fiddle Music?

Métis fiddling mixes rhythms from First Nations, Scottish, and French-Canadian music. It has its own special Métis beat. David Chartrand, who leads the Manitoba Métis Foundation, says Métis fiddle music is learned by listening and watching. It's a tradition passed down through families, not taught in schools.

This style of fiddling is closely connected to First Nations music, especially from the Ojibwe people. Experts say that the rhythm in Métis fiddling can change often. It's very percussive, meaning it has a strong, drum-like beat. Players often tap their feet and hold the bow tightly to make a sharp sound.

Some players, like Sierra Noble, play a modern Métis style. They mix in sounds from Celtic music or country-pop. Sierra Noble plays a mix of Celtic rock with her band, the Sierra Noble Trio.

The Importance of Métis Fiddle

The Métis are Indigenous people from Turtle Island (North America). Their ancestors were often from European and First Nations families. Over time, they formed their own unique culture. Today, the Métis are a recognized Indigenous group, like the Inuit and First Nations.

The fiddle is very important to Métis identity. Dancing, called "jigging," and social fiddling are big parts of their culture. The Métis fiddle style grew up in the Red River Region. This is the same place where the Métis culture itself began.

Métis fiddlers are often called "cultural ambassadors." This means they represent their culture through music. The Métis believe in "Miziksharing," which means sharing music. This idea shapes how their community uses music. Fiddle music helps connect Métis people across wide areas. It also helps them keep their identity strong.

How Métis Fiddle is Played

Métis fiddle music uses European dance styles like polka, waltz, and jig. But the dance steps are mixed with First Nations dances. The music often uses complex chords, not just simple ones. People in the audience clap their hands, stomp their feet, and dance. This creates a lively sound along with the music.

Famous Métis Fiddle Songs

The main songs for Métis fiddling are dance tunes. The most famous tune is the "Red River Jig." Even though it's called a jig, it's usually played faster, like a reel. There's a saying that if you nail a Métis person's moccasins to the floor and play the "Red River Jig," they'll go crazy! The dancing involves lots of fancy footwork, similar to Irish dance. Some players can even play the fiddle and jig at the same time!

Other popular tunes include "Arcandsaw Traveller" and "Drops of Brandy." These songs are also found in other folk music styles.

Métis Fiddle Players

• John Arcand
• Sierra Noble
• Calvin Vollrath
• Andy de Jarlis
• Patti Kusturok
• Michael Audette
• Reg Bouvette
• Erin Okrainec
• Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle
• Jamie Fox
• Brad "Chug" Morin
• Mike Page
• Joe Parisien
• Gabriel Brien

Images for kids

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  Mary "La" Bolduc was a famous Canadian folk artist. She was not Métis, but the fiddle she played would have been similar to those used by early Métis fiddlers.