The Kikino Northern Lites Dancers

Tanisi everybody!
Join us as we traveled on November 12, 2023 to Edmonton Alberta to attend the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Delia Gray Gala where we captured The Kikino Northern Lites Dancers performance! Prior to them hitting the stage Shay did a quick interview with them!
The Kikino Northern lites is a Metis Traditional dance troupe. Formed in 1978 by Metis elders Georgina Thompson and Doris Bellerose. The name itself has its own significance. The word “Kikino” Cree Word meaning Our home. “Northern Lites” is an ol’ Metis Belief, when the Spirits of our loved ones pass on, they join our Ancestors to rejoice in a spiritual dance in the Northern Sky.
Metis Traditional dance is blending the rich sources of a handful of Cultures. The Indigenous Pow Wow dance tells a story by the movements and formation of the Participants. The French/Scottish/Irish high stepping reels and dances combines fancy footwork with lively music. Metis steps draws from all these origins to create a lively, enjoyable and meaningful part of Our Metis Culture.
Throughout the start up of the group, the dance lead was Gerald White. Eventually turning manager and carrying the troupe into the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, along side his loving wife Denise White. The dance group travelled many miles, thrilling audiences with their energetic steps and up beat dancing. Gerald made it his life’s work persevering our Metis Culture through music and dance, being the front man of country band Northern Highways and running the square dancer’s full time. With the passing of Gerald in Early 2006 the group and its teaching kind of fell slumber until this past spring of 2023.
The groups legacy and teaching now initiated by troupe lead dancer Trevor White, Geralds youngest son. Trevor who has danced with the group from childhood up until his dads passing, got the inspiration to start the dance group again from the birth of his daughter last April. The main motivation for the start up again is “to continue to preserve and strengthen our Metis culture through music and dance, for our future generations to carry on our traditions.”
I myself am super proud of this group originating from my home Métis Settlement of Kikino, while late Gerald being a good friend of mine.
As well if you would like to book this highly talented group for any of your venues please contact Trevor White at 1-[phone].
Kinanâskomitin,
And Êkosi Mâka.
Shawn McDonald
The Métis Man

[@dravenquinn264]

Amazing job at filming this Great job👍Kyran And Uncle Shawn.

[@merryhunt9153]

Very fine dancing, and I like the new-style costumes. And it's delightful to see your newest member.

[@carldurocher2277]

It’s good to see our younger generation keeping our traditions alive gives me a lot of pride seeing them carrying on our traditional dances , way to go guys keep it up ❤