Spence duo shining spotlight on Métis culture

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This article was published 10/02/2015 (3984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Garden Grove brother and sister duo is keeping Métis music and dance alive.

Métis siblings Ryan and Clarissa Spence, 11 and 9 respectively, will perform on Fri., Feb. 13 at 9:15 a.m. at Garden Grove School. On Tues., Feb. 17 the Spences will perform at École Stanley Knowles School, which they both attend.

Ryan, a fiddler, plays traditional Métis numbers like the Red River Jig and Cat Scratch Reel, while Clarissa dances to his music.

“About six years ago my grandfather started teaching me,” said Ryan, a Grade 6 student. “I had a small tiny fiddle at first and then I started to get formal training from a person named Mark Morisseau about half a year ago.

“It’s just like any other instrument. It’s amazing, it’s fun, it’s the best.”

In the last year, the Spences have played gigs at Riel House, Asham Stomperfest, the Metis Child, Family and Community Services annual Caregiver Appreciation Dinner, as well as regular busking outings at The Forks. The duo plans to perform in The Forks Market on Louis Riel Day.
Ryan said performing in front of people was a bit daunting at first, but that he and his sister have since got the hang of it.

“I overcame my stage fright and now we’re just carrying on the Métis heritage, being ourselves and making sure people know about Métis culture,” Ryan said.

Darryl Spence, Ryan and Clarissa’s dad, said he and his wife Karen are pleased that their children have chosen to embrace their Métis lineage.

“I think it’s just about picking up the culture, being proud of their Métis heritage, and enjoying using their talents, because they’re both really talented and they enjoy it. We want to foster and that make sure they have every opportunity,” Darryl said.

In addition to celebrating their culture, busking at The Forks is a great way to make a little scratch.

“So much money,” said Clarissa, who is in Grade 4.

“Enough to pay the bills,” Ryan added.

Ryan said the duo is excited about performing the Louis Riel Reel on Louis Riel Day, a song he said was a tough one to master.

“It’s a fast-paced song. It’s really hard to play,” Ryan said. “Once you learn a new song or a new step it’s just the greatest feeling in the world. You’ll say ‘Oh, I can’t do it’ and within a few weeks you can play it perfectly or jig it perfectly.”

Ryan, who also plays hockey, and Clarissa, who takes taekwondo, said they’re both fully committed to their craft.

“Forever, never stop. We always say Spences never give up,” Clarissa said.
Check out Ryan and Clarissa’s YouTube channel at http://ryanspence.ca