The Red River Jig, or the oayache mannin as known in Michif, is the most famous Métis dance in Ontario.
This dance pulls inspiration from Plains First Nations footwork while combining European dance elements that have now been labeled as the unofficial anthem of the Métis Nation.
The Red River Jig is accompanied by upbeat fiddling, the most commonly used instrument by the Métis, with a song that dates back as far as the early 1800’s.
“The Algonquin and Woodland nation are local to here in Ottawa where the Red River Jig is mostly present, it’s one of the most recognized dances,” Stephanie Sarazin, an employee at Aboriginal Experiences, said.
There is no certain origin for the Red River Jig but instead, there are three common theories.
The first is that it was introduced to the Métis by French Canadian voyageurs who performed the dance to a fiddler’s father where it was passed on from there.
Another theory is that it came from the Red River Settlement where a Métis fiddler imitated the sounds of bagpipes and created a song that made people feel the need to dance.
The third and final theory is that it came from a Métis wedding song in 1860.
Leaning the dance can start at a young age but most competitive dancers and performers start in their early teen years.
There are variations to the Red River Jig depending on the place where it is performed, it can be seen at powwows, exhibitions and conferences with slightly different fiddling that is learned through observation instead of sheet music.
As a product of blended cultures and teachings the Red River Jig and its accompanied fiddle music is a long-established tradition for the Métis people that will continue to be passed down through generations as a visual tale of celebrating its history.
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