The history of the Edmonton Mètis Traditional Dance Society
The Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers were established in the fall of 1985 by young students at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC) in Edmonton. Georgina Donald, the cultural coordinator, believed it was essential for youth to engage with their culture through the arts in a fun and expressive way.
Initially, most of the original dancers had been taking lessons for over a year. These lessons, taught by dance instructor Moise White, were held every Sunday afternoon for two hours between September and April. White selected ten students to advance to a higher level of dance. During their first year, the dancers learned the basic steps and patterns of various traditional Métis dances, along with the theory behind them, including traditional music, timing, and cultural history.
Over the years, the dancers have promoted traditional Métis dances, celebrating the cultural heritage of their mixed ancestry (French, Scottish, Irish, and First Nations). Some of these traditional dances include the Duck Dance, Reel of Eight, Drops of Brandy, Reel of Four, and the Red River Jig. They also learned first changes and breakdowns, with square dances described by a square dance caller. The group has also mastered show dances that highlight their stepping abilities, such as the Orange Blossom Special, Broom Dance, Sash Dance, and Cotton Eyed Joe.
Today, the group consists of four generations of the Donald family, including the grandfather, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Georgina Donald (Mother) & Lyle Donald (Son)
Edmonton Heritage Days Festival, Lyle and Georgina pose with the Mètis Prince in a local traditional competition.
Moise White and the Edmonton Mètis Traditional Dancers
[Photo taken in the Fall of 1985]