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LEARN MICHIF
Hosted in partnership with BCMF
An Introductory session to learn and speak our Michif Language, with a live Michif speaker, and many tools to help continue your learning adventure.
Core Topics Covered:
PIZZA, Beverages, and Fiddle Music
Tuesday, September 10th, from 4pm to 8pm
at Surrey Nature Centre Hall (14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3T 0J2)
(Near Fraser Hwy + 140th St)
Please RSVP by email toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details
(Space limited to 40 pupils)
Connect and Learn with your Métis community
An Evening to Share and Enjoy Our Métis Heritage and Culture
We invite all our Nova Métis members, family and friends, of any age.
Parking is Free
The Métis (pronounced “May-tee”) are one of the recognized distinct Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. During the height of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, many European fur traders married First Nations women. The eventual establishment of Métis communities outside of these cultures and settlements, as well as the intermarriage between Métis men and Métis women, resulted in a new Aboriginal people—the Métis. The Métis people helped to shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the West.
The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal nation and share a history, culture (song, dance, dress, national symbols, etc.), a unique language (Michif), distinct way of life, and a collective identity. The Métis homeland includes regions scattered across Canada, as well as parts of the northern United States.
Music and dance are very important aspects of Métis culture.
They are famous for their fiddle music and dancing. The origins of Métis jigging lies in the traditional dances of their Irish and Scottish ancestors and was also influenced by tradition First Nations dance; however, it is important to note that Métis Jigging is different.
The traditional music of the Métis was up-tempo and lively, which made it perfect for dancing. Extra and irregular beats were added to give bounce to the music, making the dance a lot faster. The traditions of Métis song and dance have survived over the centuries, and still maintain an important role in their culture.
Traditionally, Métis food included dried meat, pemmican, bannock, berries, wild game and buffalo. The Métis made bannock, which was introduced by the early 18th century fur traders. Bannock is traditionally made from lard, water and flour and was cooked over an open fire. Many Métis people today still enjoy this snack.