The Red River Jig Family Network: Music/Dance/Story as Métis Re-Search Methodology

Abstract

This article describes the first year of a transdisciplinary inquiry into the cultural and historic impact of the “Red River Jig,” a piece of music, dance, and story central to the Michif/Métis peoples. We outline the project’s provenance, review its objectives, and offers four approaches that have emerged in the first year. These include building on visiting as a Métis-specific methodology by applying “visiting way” methodology to the study of music/dance/story while also considering music/dance/story as Métis methodology; moving beyond the disciplinary boundaries; and supporting the flourishment of music/dance/story in Métis communities by building a knowledge-sharing community beyond academic spaces.