Michif languages are critically endangered and there are few fluent language carriers left. The Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) facilitates the development of new fluent Michif language speakers. Fluent speakers (Mentors) and committed learners (Apprentices) are invited to apply to be a part of this language immersion program that will take place in or near their community.

The mentor and apprentice will spend at least 10 or more hours per week together doing everyday activities, always speaking the Michif language, helping the learners to become more fluent in the Michif language. Both mentor and apprentice will receive a stipend (up to 300 hours per year) for their efforts and time.

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is currently being piloted in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Time spent with language mentors is customizable and designed between the language mentor and apprentice with the support of the BC Métis Federation (BCMF). If you reside outside of the lower mainland and you are aware of someone who would like to be mentored by you in this language immersion opportunity, please Marla Klyne, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.

Mentors

BCMF is seeking members who are Michif-French language carriers and willing to mentor apprentices who are new to the language. Mentoring another to become a fluent Michif speaker empowers the learner, the mentor, and the entire community. Helping a learner to become fluent is inherently healing and brings you and others into community. Fluent speakers are needed in all aspects of Métis society, and are critical in leadership positions, educational institutions, governance, health care and community.

Mentors need to be willing to commit to 30–40 hours per month of language immersion sessions (to a maximum of 300 hours per year). The timeline to produce fluency in an apprentice is anticipated to be three years. The learning accumulated during those 900 hours will allow an apprentice to become skilled enough to transfer the language to another for the language to carry forward.

Mentors will be provided a stipend of $30 per immersion hour for their time spent mentoring as part of the program. For more information, and to apply, download the MAP Mentor application package. If you have questions on the Mentor experience, please contact Marla Klyne, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.

Apprentices

BCMF is inviting Métis people who speak some, little, or no Michif-French but would like to become fluent to participate in MAP as apprentices. As an apprentice you will take part in weekly language immersion sessions led by your mentor, a fluent Michif speaker. Language is one of the most significant factors with respect to cultural health and identity and this is an incredible opportunity to reconnect with your culture in a meaningful way while helping to preserve Michif for future generations.

Apprentices need to be willing to commit to 30–40 hours per month of language immersion sessions (to a maximum of 300 hours per year). The timeline for an apprentice to achieve fluency is anticipated to be three years. The learning accumulated during those 900 hours will allow you to become skilled enough to transfer the language to another apprentice and for the language to carry forward.

Apprentices will be provided a stipend of $20 per immersion hour for their time spent apprenticing in the program. For more information, and to apply, download the MAP Apprentice application package. If you have questions on the Apprentice experience, please contact Marla Klyne, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.

Team Pairs

Individuals applying as Mentors or Apprentices will be matched up in their community as they start their language immersion journey. If two people with an existing relationship feel that they would make a good Mentor-Apprentice team pair then they can apply together. One person must be a BC Métis Federation member who is a Michif-French language carrier willing to mentor a learner. The second person in the pairing must be Métis and speaks some, little, or no Michif-French but wants to become fluent.

For more information, and to apply as a Team Pair, download the MAP Team Pair application package. If you have questions on the applying as a Team Pair, please contact Marla Klyne, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.