FOR THE LOVE OF MÉTIS FIDDLING

Every year, the Keeping the Fires Burning ceremony pays tribute to Indigenous Elders who have made a significant contribution to their community by safeguarding Indigenous culture, knowledge and traditions.

On June 13, before a crowd of 900 people, Eldon Campbell was inducted as an honoured grandfather at the 18th annual ceremony. “I had goosebumps all over! It was a real honour, especially to stand before those who were honoured before me. I will remember this great and beautiful ceremony for a long time.”

Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. (MMF) Minister Anita Campbell had the honour of presenting Eldon Campbell with a magnificent blanket and an eagle feather. “I am so humbled and honoured to be here to present this acknowledgement,” said Anita Campbell at the event. “Eldon and I are not related but I call him my uncle.”

The honoured grandfather wasted no time in wrapping himself in his new blanket. Today, it is proudly displayed in the family’s living room, in plain view.

From his humble beginnings, Eldon Campbell has played the traditional fiddle at countless events, including dances, cultural celebrations, Elders’ gatherings and the MMF’S annual general assembly. Recently, Campbell and one of his granddaughters travelled to O awa to perform at a meeting between the federal government and the Métis Nation.

Eldon Campbell and his wife of 47 years, Audrey Campbell, have three children and nine grandchildren. Many of them have become

talented singers and musicians under his guidance, which makes Eldon Campbell proud. “When we’re all gathered together, we play the fiddle. Naturally, I love that. We sometimes play the piano, too. I taught them the basics. At first, they learned with the notes, but now they can play by ear. I always tell them: If you play note for note, you play like someone else. If you play by ear, it’s your interpretation and even the mistakes are your own!”

Passing on his traditions

The fiddling aficionado strongly believes in the importance of passing on the tradition and love of the instrument to future generations. “The Métis fiddle is different from other violins. When asked about the difference, I o en say: With traditional Métis fiddling, you have a smile on your face when you play. It’s important for these Métis traditions be handed down.” Eldon Campbell has been playing the traditional fiddle for 61 years. His parents, Malcom and Harriet Campbell, instilled the love of music in him from a young age. He still remembers the very first piece he learned at the age of 13: Don’t Be Cruel, by Elvis Presley, in the late 1950s. “Granted, it’s not a traditional fiddle song. I played different types of music through the years.” Eldon Campbell also remembers his first fiddle. “My mother bought it for me when I was very young and too young to play it. I remember that she ordered it from the Eaton’s catalogue for $9.95 and had it mailed all the way to the Métis community of Kinosota. I later played that fiddle into my twenties.”

“As a child, music was all we had. We did not have a television at home until 1962, when I was a teenager. Kids have different things to do now, so the more I see them playing the traditional fiddle, the be er I like it!”

In the Campbell family, the fiddle has always been at the centre of family gatherings, which were also called “dances.” Eldon Campbell still remembers it: “My father would replace the furniture with benches he had made, lining them up along the wall,” he recalls. “And we would all dance together! Dancing, fiddling and the accordion were really at the heart of these gatherings. I always thought that everyone should celebrate this way.”

In addition to passing along his knowledge to his family, Eldon Campbell has also been teaching adults and youth how to play the traditional fiddle for about 17 years. With funding from the MMF, he was able to start up a fiddle program for youth in his community. It is another wonderful way to spread his love of fiddling and to keep this Métis tradition alive and well.