Get your Red River jig on: Mtis pavilion brings traditional dance back to Folklorama

The flashyWestern-inspired outfits can be spotted from a mile away, but what really reels you in isthe thunderous and synchronized clacking coming from the fancy footwork of the Asham Stompers.

The Winnipeg group will be showcasing its take on the fast-moving Red River jig, a traditional Mtis dance,at the 49th annual Folklorama.

The Stompers took on pavilion hosting duties this yearthe first time in eightyears the celebration of culture and diversity will have aMtispavilion.The previous Mtis pavilion wasoperated by theIndian andMetis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg.

Though he and his crew arelight-footed on the dance floor, Stomperspresident Arnold Asham doesn't take the Folklorama opportunitylightly.

"Our mission is to help recapture and preserve the history of the Mtis people through the dancing of the Red River jig," Ashamsaid Tuesday after capturing his breath following the group's high-energy dance at aFolkloramakick-off event.

Watch Ashamexplain why it's important to teach younger generations how to jig:

Joy of the jig will keep Mtis pavilion rep, 68, dancing for years to come

6 years ago

Duration 0:39

Arnold Asham, president of the Asham Stompers, didn't really learn the Red River Jig until he was 50. Now 68, he says the joy of the dance, paired with an urge to pass down the Mtis tradition, will keep him stomping for years to come.

Inspired by powwow and square dancing styles,the jig originated near the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in the 1800s, before Manitoba was officially a province. One purpose of the fiddle-driven dance back then, Asham says,was toattract fur traders to the first local Mtis colony.

Nowadays, the Asham Stompers are backed by a full band. The group is made of people of all ages and performs about 100 shows a year. Ashamsaid that level of experience comes through when the dancers start kicking in unison.

"We are very, very professional, and they're going to see a great show like [something you'd see in] Vegas," he said.

As dizzying and impressive as the dance is, there isn't a whole lot going on above the waist.

Ashamshared thisstory he says helps explainthe stiffupper body:

Gettin' Red River Jiggy with it: Asham Stompers president explains Mtis dance

6 years ago

Duration 1:00

Arnold Asham shares his understanding of how the distinctive and dizzying Red River Jig came to be.

And what else can Folklorama patrons expect to see (and eat) at theMtis pavilion?

"Bannock, of course," said Asham, adding bison stew andfry bread will also be served up, and a variety of other cultural displays will be on hand at the Heather Curling Club at 120 Youville St.

"Hope to see you all there," he said.

'The world needs more Folklorama'

Mayor Brian Bowman has already accepted the invitation.

"I cannot wait," he said. "As a very proudMtis-Canadian I am thrilled."

Bowman says he plans to attend all of the 44 Folklorama pavilions between Aug. 5-18.

"It's one beautiful part of our community and right now the world needs more Folklorama," he said.

"There is so much negative toxicity in the world right now and Winnipeg is one of those communities that celebrates diversity."

He is looking forward to taking in the Stompers' performance, although he says it's unlikely anyone in the house during his visit will see him jig.

Watch Bowman waffle on whether he'll show his moves at the pavilion:

You won't catch Mayor Bowman trying to steal Mtis jig dancers' thunder this Folklorama

6 years ago

Duration 0:35

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman say he is a proud member of the Mtis nation, but he doesn't think his Red River Jig skills are honed enough to display this year at Folklorama's Mtis pavilion.

Ashamdidn't start jigging until he was 50. Now 68, he doesn't plan on stopping the stomping any time soon.

"There's a reason I keep doing itit's because it's the joy we give people when we share it," he said.

"I also like to bring hope to the people who are my age or older to find something they're passionate about, because it just brings so much satisfaction your life."

The Mtis pavilionruns from Aug. 5-11. The venue is open from 6-11 p.m. and performances take place at 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. every night.