(submitted photo/ Rossignol Elementary School)

By Nicole Reis

MICHIF LANGUAGE PILOT PROGRAM

Michif language pilot program coming to Île-à-la-Crosse School Division

Jun 25, 2020 | 4:09 PM

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) has partnered with five schools around the province to develop a Michif Language Early Learning pilot project to preserve the endangered language and increase the number of Michif-speaking youth.

Rossignol Elementary School in Île-à-la-Crosse has secured funding from MN-S to participate in the program which is the first of its kind.

Sharon Hoffman, the school’s principal told meadowlakeNOW Michif language is at risk. Only about 700 people in Canada can speak it according to 2016 census data. The pilot program involves infusing the Michif language into pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programming.

“There is a strong desire in Île-à-la-Crosse for all students to reclaim their language and we’re really excited for the opportunity to focus on that,” Hoffman said. “We’re looking to immerse kids in daily Michif so they’re not surprised when they hear it, and they can respond to their Elders and first language speakers. This is something to reclaim [the language] back to how it would have been.”

Hoffman explained there is strong Métis culture in Île-à-la-Crosse and this pilot immersion-style program will support cultural identity. As community members may identify as Cree, the Michif language is the historic language of the community. While the most fluent speakers are Elders, Hoffman says the language is important to reclaim while valuable resources are still available.

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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 Michif language within the province.

Lisa Fleming, MN–S Director of Child and Family Services told meadowlakeNOW incorporating the Michif language into the curriculum equates to power and identity for students. Introducing the language at a young age presents the opportunity for children to ensure the language is preserved, she said. She added it will empower children to continue to have a strong cultural connection to their Métis heritage.

“If we can have young children in a high quality early-learning environment, the greater chance of those children reaching developmental goals, acquiring language and being more successful as they enter the primary school years,” Fleming said.

The five school divisions participating in the pilot project are Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and the Île-à-la-Crosse School Division.

Along with the Michif language Early Learning Pilot Project, MN–S is developing a Dene Early Learning Pilot Project with Northern Lights School Division in La Loche. Details about this program will be announced at a later date.

Registration for the Michif Early Learning Pilot Project for the 2020-21 school year is now open. Additional information about Île-à-la-Crosse School Board No. 112 can be found here.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722