Supporting the community and bringing balance to people's lives.
Cultural Awareness - Violin Lessons
Provided Métis violin lessons to Métis youth and adults as part of a cultural awareness project.
Knowing our culture is what teaches us about our beliefs and helps us to better understand others.
Historically, Métis people have long been known as the “forgotten people”, as part of the colonization process and unique to Métis peoples.
The Métis culture is a distinct and diverse culture separate and apart from First Nations, Inuit, and non-status peoples of Canada.
It is common for many Métis people to experience a unique disconnection where they feel they do not fit with First Nations or Inuit cultures, nor do they feel they fit with European cultures.
The colonial processes created societal stigma and feelings of shame related to being indigenous, which for many Métis people and their families have historically coped with by denying their Métis heritage to feel safe.
In my personal experience, and as a Métis elder, denying one’s heritage can lead to lack of identity and low self esteem; this can negatively affect many aspects of one’s daily life, such as the ability to obtain higher education and job security.
Knowing and understanding our diversity helps in accepting and respecting each other and our beliefs.
For youth and adults to develop and gain an understanding of where they are going, they first need to understand where they came from.
This non confrontational way of learning and practicing their cultural ways will aid in an increased self identity, self-esteem and acceptance of other cultural ways.
Youth Jigging
Métis youth in this age group are at a risk-taking stage in their lives and will gain cultural awareness, leadership skills, improved self-esteem and confidence which all contribute toward a sense of belonging, and help bring balance to their lives.
Once the youth have gained some skills in playing traditional Métis tunes, they will be able to share their culture through their musical achievements at small public gatherings and learn of other’s similar cultural ways.
Sharing one’s culture, is restoring friendships, and creating harmony and a form of reconciliation.
Donations from performances could be used to help keep the project going long term together with other fund raising activities
Want to learn more?
Phone or text: 1-800-574-2806 or 250-574-2806 (cell)
Email: donnassolutions2016@gmail.com
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