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TitleNative dance in northern Alberta
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication1993
AuthorsMoore, P.
Publication Languageen
Keywordstraditional native drum dances, traditional native tea dances
Abstract

Moore describes the similarities between traditional Native drum dances (Tea dances) throughout the communities of northern Alberta as a reflection of both shared traditional beliefs and common historical influences. This study includes anthropological and recent research, the history of Native dance in northern Alberta, various Native categories of dance, as well as the reasons for changes in dance styles throughout the years. He goes on to describe the ceremonial aspects of these events including prayer, addresses by religious leaders, offerings of meat, fat, and tobacco, communal meals, and of course, dances. In Fort Chipewyan, tea dances have become primarily social gatherings, since Native religious leaders have become less active. However, in other northern communities, these events occur more frequently and have become an occasion for Native religious leaders to share their dreams and religious understanding with the rest of the community. Moore admits that there is still a great deal to be learned about the associations between dance styles and Native beliefs and how the admix of Christianity may have affected this art form. This is a refreshing read, since there is very little data available and even less written on this subject.

Notes

Conference essay; chapter in a book. In The Uncovered Past: Roots of Northern Alberta Societies. Patricia A. McCormack and R. Geoffrey Ironside, eds. Pp173-183

Locational Keywords

Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, Northern Alberta

Group

CEMA

Citation Key24725

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