3,000 Black Gold students enjoy learning Metis traditions and culture in special online presentation

Nearly 3,000 Black Gold students tuned in to a special online learning opportunity this week.  Black Gold hosted Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte and musician and educator Ethan Graves online, allowing students in 105 classrooms to enjoy a learning opportunity.

Through fiddle music, stories about the Métis sash and beadwork, and lessons in the Red River Jig and spoon rhythms, students learned how Métis traditions are shared through music, dance and family gatherings.

“It was an exciting opportunity to have both Brianna and Ethan virtually, because they’re incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to not only Métis history and culture, but also music and dance,” says Michael Swampy, Black Gold Indigenous Lead. “They're so good at teaching in an engaging way; students move and interact with them while also learning valuable history lessons of the Métis people.”

“Brianna’s stories about her own family helped students see Métis culture as a living part of their communities and connect personally with what they learn in class,” says Darren Maltais, Black Gold K-6 Technology Lead.

Swampy says, “Learning about Métis culture and history matters deeply. It’s not just about covering Canadian history. It’s about the Métis students in our classrooms seeing themselves reflected in what they learn. That representation can be an incredibly validating part of their journey, and help them discover who they are.”

Watch the performance: https://youtu.be/cbLBhV0foQQ
Check out students enjoying jigging, during the performance: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1609342437312213

(screenshots from zoom presentation)