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Vancouver, British Columbia, May 21, 2024 — The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is proud to host three Michif language workshops this spring, with the final workshop being held on May 25th in Clearwater.

There has been an uptake in interest in learning and reclaiming knowledge of Michif-French, the historical language of the Métis. At previous BCMF workshops held in Vancouver and Terrace, participants were keen to share their connections to the “critically endangered” language and contribute to its revitalization. Participants are welcome to attend with any level of knowledge of Michif-French and can expect to leave with a strengthened relationship to the language and other speakers.

“We’ve heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from workshop participants,” said Jeanie Cardinal, BCMF Director of Michif Language. “They left with a commitment to continue to gather and work together to save this endangered language. What’s more, we were able to connect with fluent speakers we were unaware of!”

BCMF is dedicated to the revitalization of the Michif language, as it enables Métis to share and communicate culture, world views, knowledge systems, values, traditions, customs, history, spirituality, social and political identity today and for future generations. Its revitalization is a key aspect of Métis self-determination.

Anyone – Métis or not – interested in Michif-French is welcome to join BCMF for the final spring workshop in Clearwater on May 25th. For more information, visit the Clearwater event post. For more general information on Michif and how to get involved, visit https://bcmetis.com/programs-services/michif-language-project.