Jig is far from up for Asham Stompers

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This article was published 05/08/2010 (5593 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Arnold Asham’s curling career began to wind down, little did he know his next step would get his feet moving even faster.

The founder and president of Asham Curling Supplies founded the Asham Stompers, the Metis dance group that started jigging nearly a decade ago

“I was invited to an event with some fiddlers and jigging and that was really what got me going,” he says.

The group is currently practicing at its 1564 Arlington St. studio in preparation for next month’s Stomperfest in Reedy Creek, Man.

Asham says Stompers members hails from as far away as Portage la Prairie, Crane River, Reedy Creek, and the Peguis, Ebb and Flow First Nations as well as Winnipeg.

Most members are between the ages of 20 and 40,  although Asham adds some are as young as six while others are pushing 60.

While the Stompers perform more than 100 times a year throughout North America, one particular performance from earlier this year was particularly special for Asham. The group performed at a number of venues in Vancouver as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“We had a few venues from Manitoba House to right out on the street,” he says. “It was really amazing. We worked very hard to get there and the response was great.”

Dancer Felicia Morrisseau says she isn’t likely to ever forget the Vancouver performances. Morrisseau knows a thing or two about memorable performances — she is the current women’s world jig champion. 

The Maples area resident says taking part in the Red River jig and other Metis dances strikes a great balance between athletics and culture.

“The jigs play a major role in Metis culture and helps keep it going, showcasing it to a younger audience. That is great to see,” she says.
Morrisseau hopes to defend her title next month in Reedy Creek at the seventh annual Stomperfest. The event will take place from Sept. 3 to 5.

Asham says Stomperfest this year will feature a pair of well-known fiddlers in Nathalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy.

“We’re really excited about their attendance. They are probably two of the best known fiddlers in the world,” he said.

Grandmother Dawn Flett, who joined the group after her daughter and grandson were involved, says the Stompers are like an extended family.

“Performing with the rest of the group is quite an amazing experience,” says the North End resident.

Flett’s grandson, Michael Settee, is one of the youngest members of the group at 10 years old. In addition to helping spread the Metis culture, Settee enjoys the traveling.

“We’ve been to Nova Scotia, Toronto and down into the United States,” he says.

rob.brown@canstarnews.com