What makes music Métis, and who gets to decide? Complex dynamics of recognition, non-recognition, and erasure have played out over a history of Métis music-making, from the Red River Resistance all the way to the present day.

Monique Giroux argues that Métis music reflects broader social relationships, in particular the politics of recognition. Drawing on newspaper articles, archival documents, interviews with Métis and non-Métis musicians, and over a decade of research at cultural festivals, she charts a history of reframings: a changing but problematic relationship whereby settlers define the boundaries of acceptance to assert control over Métis identity and culture. Complicating this narrative, Giroux points to the many ways Métis have resisted settler recognition and erasure – both within mainstream old-time fiddling and at Métis-run events where people have continued to gather, tell stories, and draw on music to rebuild relationships in a time of resurgence.

Métis Music critically examines music as a shifting site of encounter, showing its readers what to listen for, how to learn by listening, and the importance of acting intentionally with the learning gained through listening.

Monique Giroux holds the Canada Research Chair in Métis Music and is associate professor of music at the University of Lethbridge.

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“A welcome book, Métis Music provides immense historical and ethnographic depth, examining settler misrecognition and Indigenous resurgence across musical contexts past and present. Rather than portraying Métis fiddlers on the periphery, Giroux highlights the important role they have played in the formation of mainstream fiddle style.” Byron Dueck, The Open University