Fall 2020 will be quite different for elementary school kids as there will be new rules amid the pandemic, but there will also be a new language program for select schools in Saskatchewan.
Michif is an endangered language according to 2016 consensus data, which showed that approximately 640 people in Canada speak it. The lack of language and identity among the Métis is what sparked the idea for this new program. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) and the Ministry of Education are partnering with five school divisions in three communities for a Michif Early Learning Pilot project. Schools in Saskatoon, Regina, and Ile-la-crosse will be taking part in this program.
“What we know is that there are very few Michif speakers left,” said Lisa Fleming, Director of early learning and childcare and early learning services with MN-S. “And as a nation, as Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, we realized, based on feedback from our citizens that we needed to be proactive at reengaging, re-emerging, and capitalizing on an opportunity to make sure that we did something to preserve and protect Michif language.”
The Michif language is quite young compared to other languages, at just around 200 years old. It was created by Métis people living in the plains and is mainly a mixture of French and Cree, although there is a bit borrowed from English and Ojibwe. It is just one of the Métis languages.
Language is an important part of identity, as is becoming more apparent as more studies come out about culture and how a lack thereof effects a person in the long run.
“We know that language is power,” Fleming said. “And that if we lose language, we lose all those cultural connections that go with that language. And part of that is the identity, the Métis identity, and we want to ensure that our children have an opportunity to have their identity and have their language.”
Feeling a lack of identity is quite common among Métis people. Some don’t feel like they fit in with Indigenous people or with White people, often feeling lost when it comes to culture and heritage.
This Michif language program is designed to connect children with Métis culture in a full day of learning. The initiative is part of The Future of Michif Program, a broader partnership between MN-S and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society aimed at revitalizing the Michif language in Saskatchewan. MN–S is also working to develop a Dene Early Learning Pilot Project with Northern Lights School Division in La Loche and plans to support Dene language development for early learners.
“They (the Royal Canadian Geographical Society) have an expansive audience base,” said Fleming. “To help bring a greater understanding both at a provincial and national and international level around Michif revitalization and Michif growth.”
The program will teach attending children about Métis culture as well as the language.
“We see the key importance of language and culture be connected.” Says Fleming. “And so, as well as learning Michif, our children and Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, will also have teachings in learning about Métis ways of knowing and doing.”
Not only will they be learning about culture and language, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will also have full school days beginning this fall. The reasoning for this change is that the longer a child spends in a high-quality learning environment, the better the impact that said environment has on the child’s growth and development.
MN-S is also hoping to see families come together during this program.
“Another really key part is to ensure our families in our communities are walking with us on this project,” said Fleming. “Because we don’t want to do things in isolation. We know the impact of families on their child’s development. And we know, also, the importance of bringing our community together. As Métis Nation, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to ensure that we have community input on educational experiences in Métis culture.”
The schools involved will also have an opportunity to have a Michif Language Keeper in each classroom, supporting the teacher. And transportation will be provided for the classrooms, as well as other resources needed.
Children involved can also look forward to family events with the language program, such as language camps, where children and parents can come together with the school community to be immersed in Michif language and Métis ways of knowing and doing.
“Often children who have a strong cultural identity and shared respect for a multitude of language and cultures have increased academic success.” MN-S media release.
