On Tuesday afternoon we enjoyed a performance by Compaigni V'ni Dansi, a Vancouver based traditional Metis and contemporary dance company. Master jigger, Yvonne Chartrand and dancer Eloi Homier performed several jigs for us including the Red River Jig, the Seven Step Dance, the Belt and Sash Dance, the Heel and Toe Polka and the Orange Blossom Special. Musicians, Keith Hill and Sandy Scofield, played the fiddle and guitar. Sandy sang a beautiful song in Cree and we also heard the fiddle spoons, an instrument made of two large spoons (wooden or metal) that clack together. The sharing of stories through song and dance is an important oral tradition in Aboriginal culture. We were lucky to have Yvonne and Eloi teach us some of the dance steps. We practiced together in a large circle. It was a fun afternoon. You can learn more the Louis Riel Metis Dancers by following this link: www.vnidansi.ca/
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| Yvonne and Eloi dancing the Red River Jig |
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| The Belts and Sashes Dance |
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| The Seven Step |
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| The Metis Flag has two sides which represent both First Nations and European ancestry |
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| Sandy drumming and singing |
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| Keith playing the fiddle |
