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Friday, February 6, 2026
Gettin’ jiggy with it!
By Joshua Jackson

Last week, the Neepawa Middle School welcomed the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers (IFM) from Winnipeg. Students had the opportunity to experience a part of Red River Métis culture, learning how to dance the Red River Jig. The IFM group is a family of five siblings,who dance in honour of their grandfather. The eldest sibling has over 22 years of dancing experience, as well as boasting competition distinctions. The group have travelled around Canada and abroad to perform, including on Canada’s Got Talent, where the group made it to the semi-final round.
The Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers aim to attract youth through the rhythm and style of the hip-hop jig. The group hopes to motivate and inspire people of all ages, while bringing awareness that Red River Métis culture is still thriving.
The Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers aim to attract youth through the rhythm and style of the hip-hop jig. The group hopes to motivate and inspire people of all ages, while bringing awareness that Red River Métis culture is still thriving.The NMS Student Council was able to offer the talented group, thanks to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Grant, which supports students, educators, and families to learn First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, cultures, traditional values, contemporary lifestyles, and traditional knowledge systems. Students from grades 5-8 participated in a workshop where they learned three basic steps of the Red River Jig. Afterwards, a performance with traditional regalia and a hip-hop remix had students in awe.
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