Red River Jig

The Red River Jig is a traditional dance and accompanying fiddle tune, culturally relevant to both the Canadian Métis and the First Nations. The dance’s performers and fiddlers currently and historically includes individuals identifying as First Nations, French Canadian, or Scottish Canadians, as well as others involved in the expansive 19th century fur trade. The origins of the dance can be traced to traditional dances of the First Nations, French, English, Scots, and Orcadian peoples, from whom the Métis Nation descended. The name is also in reference to the Red River of the North, which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota (USA) and flows north through Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada before emptying into Hudson's Bay.

 

"Jigging", as commonly referred to by the Métis people, has observable similarities to the traditional dances of Quebec and the Canadian Maritime communities of British Isles heritage. The Métis fiddle tune of the same name is not actually a jig per se, but is rather a reel.

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