St-Paul-des-Métis
Dance Troupe, Circa 1920
The traditional fiddle music and dance of the Métis has a long
history dating from the time when the voyageurs enjoyed them as a
diversion from the struggle of their daily lives. There are reports of
early Métis settlers forming dance groups that provided entertainment
for their people and opportunities for others to experience their
traditional dances and music.
In 1895, Father Lacombe called upon Father Thérien to assist in the
establishment of the St-Paul-des-Métis settlement. The Federal Cabinet
passed an order-in-council, which officially established a colony in the
area named St-Paul-des-Métis on 28 December. This order provided the
colony with land for 21 years. A $2000 grant was also provided for seed
and equipment, but by 1905, following successive crop failures, the
colony was considered a failure.
The French-Canadian community co-existed with a strong Métis
community that continued to promote itself and its culture with a dance
troupe of its own in the 1920s.
The St-Paul-des-Métis Dance Troupe was similar to the many Métis
dance groups that are active today, such as the Edmonton Métis Cultural
Dance Society. The Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society promotes the
Métis culture, traditional dances, music, and history. They also teach
others their music and dance.
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St-Paul-des-Métis
Dance Troupe, Circa 1920
Buffalo
Lake Métis Gathering
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