There is a diverse variety of different dance styles and traditions that Indigenous Peoples performed in the past and still perform to this day. When researching these styles, I wanted to avoid appropriating Indigenous culture, so I looked for sources that were created or approved of by Indigenous creators. I know little to nothing about Indigenous dances, but I am choosing to focus on these three; powwow’s, Métis jigs, and Haudenosaunee dances.
Powwow’s:
Powwow’s are not just about the dancing, but also about sharing food, honouring traditions, building community, practicing healing, and more. Along with this, there is also a song and dance component to powwow’s. Many different Indigenous groups hold powwow’s, including Métis, Inuit, Blackfoot, Ojibwe, and so many more. Powwow dancers dance to Indigenous songs and Indigenous drumming. Sometimes powwow dancers will dance with props such as hoops, and they are often seen wearing highly decorated outfits. The significance behind dancing at powwow’s is to honour the culture, traditions, and history of Indigenous groups in Canada.
I have included a video below of an example of Powwow dancing. There are many examples I could have included, and each one is unique. I chose to use a video of a young girl performing a powwow dance, to show that this tradition will carry on for generations.
Métis Jigs:
The Métis Peoples were both Indigenous and European, and this was demonstrated in their music and their dancing. The Métis people played unique fiddle music, which led to the introduction of jigging in the Red River area. To quote the article titled Music and Dance, “[Jigging] is a combination of First Nations dancing and Scottish and French-Canadian step-dancing, and reel, jig and quadrille steps,” (Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, 2018). There were a variety of jigs created, such as the Red River Jig. Métis jigging is most commonly danced to fiddle music. This dance tradition is the most popular in Métis culture, but the Métis were also known for their square dancing.
I have linked a video below that talks a bit about the Red River Jig, and then demonstrates what it looks like.
Haudenosaunee Dances:
The Haudenosaunee dances tell stories about the land and nature, but also acknowledge the Creator for what he has done for their people. Haudenosaunee dances rely on beats of a drum, chants, and certain foot movements. Certain Haudenosaunee dances like the round dance or the rabbit dance, are social dances and can be enjoyed by everyone. However, there are some dances such as the Sun dance and the Moon dance are sacred and not for the public. These sacred dances include words to be sung instead of chants found in the social dances. One of the most well known Haudenosaunee dances is the Smoke dance. Originally only danced by men, this dance was fast and meant to showcase stamina and strength. In the future, this dance was adapted for women to participate.
Below I have included a video with two different Haudenosaunee dances. The first child performs a war dance, and then the second child joins in for a smoke dance.
Summary:
I do not know much about Indigenous dance traditions, but I found it interesting to learn about a few. It is not my place to ever try these dances or claim to know everything about them, but I do think that they are very exciting to watch and I enjoy learning new things about dance. In the future, I hope to be more educated on this type of dance.
Sources:
Canadian Geographic (2018, September 25). Music and Dance. Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/music-and-dance/
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (n.d.). Experience the Power of Pow Wow. Destination Indigenous. https://canadianpowwows.ca/
ONEIDA Indian Nation (n.d.). Haudenosaunee Dance. ONEIDA. https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/haudenosaunee-dance/