Métis Music

Métis music is a vibrant blend of First Nations and European traditions, evolving through fiddling, jigging, and singing. The Métis adapted European instruments like the fiddle, incorporating First Nations, Scottish, and French-Canadian rhythms and jigging styles. They also created their own songs, often reflecting their lives and the political climate of the time, like the songs attributed to Louis Riel. 

Key Elements of Métis Music:

  • Fiddling:
    The fiddle, or violin, is a central instrument in Métis music. Métis people learned to play and create their own tunes, often adapting European fiddle styles with their own unique rhythms. 

  • Jigging:
    Métis music is closely tied to jigging, especially the Red River Jig, which is considered an unofficial Métis anthem. They also adapted European dance forms like reels and waltzes, and incorporated First Nations dances. 

  • Singing:
    Métis music includes songs that reflect their history, culture, and experiences, including ballads, songs about battles, and songs celebrating their heritage. 

  • Oral Tradition:
    Much of Métis music was transmitted orally, with songs and tunes being passed down through families and communities. 

Historical Context:

  • Blending Traditions:

    Métis music emerged from the blending of First Nations and European musical traditions, reflecting their unique cultural identity. 

  • Fiddling as a Skill:
    Métis were skilled craftspeople and often made their own fiddles from local materials. 

  • Political and Social Commentary:
    Many Métis songs were created to comment on social and political events, including the Red River Resistance and other significant historical moments. 

  • Assimilization Efforts:
    Traditional Métis music, like other aspects of their culture, was often discouraged and suppressed during periods of assimilation. 

Examples of Métis Music:

  • The Red River Jig:
    A well-known jigging tune that is considered by some to be the unofficial Métis anthem. 

  • "La Métisse":
    A song by Louis Riel that salutes the piety and patriotism of Métis women. 

  • "La Bataille des Sept Chênes":
    A song by Pierre Falcon about the Battle of Seven Oaks and Métis military prowess.