Grant: Project Grant

Métis dancing is an important cultural and spiritual activity for Métis people. Traditional dances blend moderate to vigorous physical activity with culture, storytelling, spirituality and community connections. Dancing may also be an important strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of Métis people. The role of traditional dancing to help close the gap in health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples has not yet been studied. In partnership with Métis leaders and communities, this project will be the first to evaluate the exercise intensity, health benefits and importance of Métis dancing. The physical demands of 12 common Métis dances will be tested among 36 recreational and professional Métis dancers. Aspects of physical and mental health and cultural connectedness will be measured before and after 12 weeks of Métis dance training among recreational dancers and before and after a competitive dance performance season among professional dancers. Interviews with dancers, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers and in-depth review of literature, resources and media will allow us to understand the meaningfulness of Métis dancing, and the importance of Métis dancing for health. Culturally safe and Indigenous-led initiatives for promoting the health and wellbeing of Métis people and communities are promising to buffer the effects of colonization. This project will provide new insight into the meaningfulness of Métis dancing and the benefits of this important traditional activity for health and wellness of Métis people.