The University of Saskatchewan, partnered with Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and Saskatoon Public Schools, is adding a Michif language stream to their Indigenous Languages program.

The Certificate is desgined to help educators become proficient in speaking Hertiage Michif (also known as Southern Michif) through Indigenous teaching methods. It is a 10 course program and educators who obtain the certificate will move up a pay grade.

Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Language Minister Laura Burnouf says that the Michif language is critically endangered.

“Because it’s very endangered and it’s not being transmitted intergenerationally, the children are not speaking it. That’s a very glaring sign that the language is not doing well and overall it’s the same for all Indigenous languages. I don’t really hear too many children speaking it.”

She adds that preserving languages are key in keeping First Nations and Metis cultures alive.

“The culture is within the language. If that language is no longer living, then it erases part of our identity as Michif people. So you lose some of the prayers and everyday language that was used.”

Burnouf says she would like to see the certificate lead to the creation of more Michif speakers.

“The main overall goal is to create new speakers, but that’s a big, big goal,” She laughed, adding, “The goal that would be immediate would be creating a sense of pride to the learners, the ones that are going to be taking part in how to teach these languages and how to work with knowledge keepers.”