Saskatchewan Métis, Canadian Geographic working together to preserve language
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Canadian Geographic magazine are working together to try to preserve the Indigenous group’s Michif language.
The two have announced an educational initiative designed to get more Métis to speak their traditional tongue.
Statistics Canada numbers show that fewer than 650 people living in Canada speak the Michif language — a mix of Cree and French.
Canadian Geographic’s chief executive officer says the magazine’s online reach makes it ideal for raising public awareness about Michif language and culture.
Gilles Gagnier, who confirmed a one-hour documentary is also in the works, says the magazine will use its vast education network to create classroom materials for teachers.
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan president Glen McCallum says identity, language and culture are important to his people.
“When I go to my hometown, I know I belong because I can hear my own language and I can be me. When we know our language, we shall never forget who we are as Métis,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
At a launch event in Saskatoon, Sherry Stoll told a story of growing up learning to trap and skin animals, but without knowing her traditional language.
Stoll, who oversees heritage and language for Saskatchewan Métis, said she hopes the program will give young people the opportunity she never had.
“I get asked all the time, ‘You don’t speak the language, so why do you think you’re good for this position?’ My answer? ‘Because I know what it’s like not to have it,”‘ Stoll said.
Gagnier said one goal is to get Canadians thinking about Michif language and culture every day.
“One of the enduring parts of this program … will be all of the education pieces we create,” Gagnier said. “Presumably tens of thousands of kids will learn from these programs over the years.”