Michif languages are critically endangered, and few fluent speakers remain. The Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP) facilitates the development of new fluent Michif speakers. Fluent speakers (Mentors) and committed learners (Apprentices) are invited to apply to participate in this language immersion program, which will take place in or near their community.
The mentor and apprentice will spend at least ten 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 know someone who would like to be mentored by you in this language immersion opportunity, please get in touch with Peggy Koroll, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.
Mentors
BCMF is seeking members who are Michif-French language carriers willing to mentor apprentices new to the language. Mentoring another to become a fluent Michif speaker empowers the learner, the mentor, and the community. Helping a learner become fluent is inherently healing and brings you and others into the 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 language immersion sessions for 30–40 hours per month (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 about the Mentor experience, please contact Peggy Koroll, 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 participate in weekly language immersion sessions led by your mentor, a fluent Michif speaker. Language is one of the most significant factors concerning cultural health and identity. This is an incredible opportunity to reconnect with your culture in a meaningful way while helping preserve Michif for future generations.
Apprentices need to be willing to commit to language immersion sessions for 30–40 hours per month (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 about the Apprentice experience, please contact Peggy Koroll, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.
Team Pairs
Individuals applying as Mentors or Apprentices will be matched in their community as they start their language immersion journey. If two people with an existing relationship feel they would make a good Mentor-Apprentice team, 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 speak 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 about applying as a Team Pair, please contact Peggy Koroll, MAP Coordinator, via email at MAP.Coordinator@BCMetis.com.
