Manitoba Metis Federation

Minister: Bonnie Mclntyre

Brief History

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has operated a Michif Language Revitalization Program since 1999. The federal Department of Canadian Heritage funds the program through its Aboriginal Language Initiative (ALI). Approximately 10 per cent of the ALI’s $5 million annual budget is allocated to Metis Nation representative organizations for Michif language revitalization, of which the MMF receives $125,000 per year.

Revitalization of a nearly extinct language such as Michif cannot be accomplished overnight. It requires consistent and persistent effort and a strategic allocation of scarce resources to key sectors of language development.

The MMF’s efforts over the past ten years have focused on developing the tools necessary to put into place a cadre of Michif language speakers who could teach and thereby transmit the language to others. Given the paucity of Michif language materials, this has required us to develop a variety of language tools, such as dictionaries, audio and video tapes and academic materials, that those who wish to learn the language could use to study.

Major Objectives 2010/2013

• To support Michif language instruction and transmission;
• To identify Michif speakers who can share their knowledge of the language to support language preservation;
• To meet with Michif speakers and videotape the speaking of the language; and
• To hold Michif language classes in Metis communities

Year in Review

The Michif Language Program has established a Michif Language Advisory Committee. The committee consists of volunteer members who are chaired by the MMF Minister of Michif Languages and includes five Michif-speaking Elders and one youth. The committee provides guidance and direction to the Michif Language Program and provides valuable input on the preservation of the Michif language. Members of the Michif Language Advisory Committee include: Minister Bonnie McIntyre, Elders Grace Zoldy, George Fleury, George Lavallee, Harvey Pelletier and Verna Demontigny, and youth Bradley Boudreau.

In February 2009, the Michif Language Committee held a series of Michif Language Journeys themed “Let’s Speak Michif” in various Metis communities. The Language Journeys' main objective was not only to meet with Michif speakers in the communities and videotape the speaking of our unique language, but to also raise interests in activities that encourage the transmission and use of Michif at the local level.

Michif language classes commenced in June 2009 and will run through to March 2011. The Michif Language Advisory Committee has identified Brandon, St. Ambroise, Minnedosa and Boggy Creek/San Clara for the first round of Michif language classes.

Since the start of the program in 1999, we have never had a department brochure or a department logo. We are pleased to announce that a department brochure, along with a new logo, was designed and completed by youth committee member Brad Boudreau.

The MMF continues to further develop a list of Michif language speakers in Manitoba. This will involve establishing a format for the speakers’ list and protocols for including persons on that list, as well as permission from each speaker to be added to list.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Minister Bonnie McIntyre for more information.