Canada's Cultural Groups - 1

 First Nations

Culture is mostly non-written, centred on language, art and dance

Some of their oral traditions accurately describe historical events

There are over thirty different languages spoken by indigenous people, most of which are spoken only in Canada.

Art traditions vary enormously amongst and within these diverse groups. However, indigenous art always has a focus on practicality, portability and the body.

Traditional First Nations people consider song and dance to be sacred.

Public, social music may be dance music accompanied by rattles and drums. Private, ceremonial music includes vocal songs with accompaniment on percussion, used to mark special occasions.

Handmade musical instruments provide the background for songs, and songs are the background for dances. 

Metis

A majority of the Métis once spoke, and many still speak, either Métis French or an indigenous language such as Mi'kmaq, or Cree. A few in some regions speak a creole or mixed language called Michif.

“Métis” can refer to the historic Métis community in Manitoba’s Red River Settlement or it can be used as a general term for anyone with mixed European and Aboriginal heritage.