Métis Music: Stories of Recognition and Resurgence Volume 108

What makes music M彋is, and who gets to decide? Complex dynamics of recognition, non-recognition, and erasure have played out over a history of M彋is music-making, from the Red River Resistance all the way to the present day. Monique Giroux argues that M彋is music reflects broader social relationships, in particular the politics of recognition. Drawing on newspaper articles, archival documents, interviews with M彋is and non-M彋is 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 M彋is identity and culture. Complicating this narrative, Giroux points to the many ways M彋is have resisted settler recognition and erasure - both within mainstream old-time fiddling and at M彋is-run events where people have continued to gather, tell stories, and draw on music to rebuild relationships in a time of resurgence. M彋is 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.