Government of Canada Invests in Revitalization of Michif Language for Red River Métis
January 8, 2025
The Government of Canada has announced a significant investment of $5 million over five years to revitalize the Michif language for the Red River Métis community.
Background: The Michif Language
Michif is an endangered Indigenous language spoken by the Red River Métis people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is a unique blend of Cree and French, created during the fur trade era.
Importance of Revitalization
The revitalization of Michif is crucial for preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Red River Métis. The language serves as a bridge between the Métis community and its Indigenous and European roots.
Investment Details
The investment will support a range of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the language, including:
- Language learning programs for youth and adults
- Development of educational resources, such as textbooks and dictionaries
- Creation of cultural events and materials to promote the use of Michif
- Training for language teachers and researchers
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The project will be led by the Red River Métis Language Centre in partnership with Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and language learners. The community will be actively involved in all stages of the revitalization process.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages,” said Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu. “Michif is a vibrant and important part of Red River Métis culture, and this investment will help ensure its future.”
“This investment is a testament to the resilience and determination of our people,” said Red River Métis Language Centre Executive Director Isabelle Lavallee. “We are thrilled to have the support of the Government of Canada in our efforts to preserve and revitalize our language.”
Next Steps
The Red River Métis Language Centre will work with its partners to develop a detailed implementation plan for the project. The first initiatives are expected to be launched later this year.
Additional Information
- The Government of Canada has invested over $100 million since 2019 to support Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
- The Michif language is recognized as an official language of the Métis Nation of Manitoba.
- There are an estimated 1,000 Michif speakers in Canada.
Government of Canada will announce an investment to revitalize the Michif language for the Red River Métis
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