John Arcand 
"Master of the Métis Fiddle"

Métis fiddling is a style all its own and the preservation and promotion of it has been John's lifetime passion. He is the undisputed "Master of the Métis Fiddle".

Originally from the Debden - Big River area of Saskatchewan, John started playing fiddle at the age six, with coaching from his Father and Grandfather and by age twelve he was playing for dances. His impeccable sense of timing and flowing rhythm came from learning to watch the dancers feet at this early age and from this he developed and refined a style of playing that has helped him become a legend in the fiddle world. People often referred to him as the "dancer's choice" throughout his long career.

John has made seventeen recordings throughout his career; featuring his original compositions, the traditional Métis tunes of his Father and Grandfather, and those he researched and learned. He is also a prolific writer having composed over 500 original tunes to date.

Now retired from performing, John continues to do some composing and is focusing on his other passion – making fiddles. The art of fiddle making is not a common one and he has now made 100 original instruments. He is also an avid collector of fiddles and accessories, offers repairs and can provide instrument appraisals.

John has spent his lifetime promoting and preserving the traditions of Métis fiddle and dance and old time fiddling. His biggest accomplishment in this area was his annual Fiddle Fest that continued for almost 25 years. By offering this setting he provided a venue where the traditions could be seen, appreciated and passed on. It became one of the major fiddle events in Western Canada before its closure in 2021.

Some of his proudest achievements include being selected as one of 27 people worldwide to represent Western Canada at the Fiddles of the World Conference in Halifax in 1999. Being chosen as a delegate in an Irish/ Métis Cultural Exchange in 2001 where he played for and met the President of Ireland. And, playing for and meeting the Queen at the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala in Saskatoon in 2005.

His passions for the preservation of the Métis Traditions, old time fiddling and work with youth have been recognized by his peers and resulted in him being honored with may awards and recognitions, making him the most decorated fiddler in Canada. These awards include; in 2003 a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture and a Lifetime Achievement Award for his "Outstanding Contribution to Old Time Fiddling" from the Canadian Grand Masters. In 2004 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Saskatchewan Arts Awards. In 2005 the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, in 2006 the City of Saskatoon's Cultural Diversity and Race Relations "Living in Harmony" Award. In 2008, he received our country's highest civilian honor - the Order of Canada. In 2012 the Queen's Jubilee Medal and in 2014 the Molson Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts.

In 2016; the Western Canadian Music Awards presented him with the Heritage Award. In February of 2020 he was invested into the Order of Gabriel Dumont- "Gold"- for a lifetime of outstanding service to the Metis of Canada. In 2022 Saskatchewan Music Awards (SMA) presented him with the Indigenous Music Achievement Award. In 2023 The Kenny Shields Special Recognition Award for “distinguished service to the professional arts”. Also in 2023 he received a special tribute and honoring at Back to Batoche Days. And in 2024 the Jim Brady Memorial Medal of Excellence.