USask to launch Indigenous language certificate in Michif this fall

“This certificate is a great opportunity for Métis educators and individuals to increase their Michif language skills,” said Dr. Julia Paulson, dean of the College of Education. “By collaborating with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the Gabriel Dumont Institute, and Saskatoon Public Schools, we are working to respond to the rising interest Métis youth have in reclaiming their ancestral roots.”

The Indigenous Language Certificate is designed to help educators develop proficiency in speaking and teaching Heritage/Southern Michif through Indigenous teaching methodologies. The certificate aims to achieve two key goals: cultivate new Michif speakers who are deeply rooted in Michif and Métis culture and history, and equip those speakers with the necessary tools and skills to teach Michif to others.

“Our Métis Nation government in Saskatchewan is proud of the work that’s gone into the rejuvenation of our Michif language,” said Laura Burnouf, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan language minister. “It’s such an important part of our history and culture and is in keeping with our distinct identity and values. With partnerships throughout the province at all education levels, including the University of Saskatchewan, we can introduce Michif to more people, giving them the methods, techniques, and tools needed to pass the language down to future generations.”

Li Vyeu Norman Fleury, an Elder and Michif language keeper, emphasized protecting and revitalizing Métis history and culture when working with other language keepers to develop the courses.

“Our Michif language is a gift from the Creator; it is a God-given language, gifted to the Métis Nation,” said Fleury.

The partnership helps standardize the process to ensure instructors are qualified to teach the Michif language, culture, and history comprehensively. As Michif is already being taught in early learning settings, universities, and various online platforms, the certificate program will provide clear qualifications for Michif educators. The 30-credit-hour certificate meets the requirements outlined by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB) for an Additional Qualification Certificate (AQC).

“Michif is a critically endangered language,” said David Morin, director of Gabriel Dumont Institute Culture and Heritage. “When a language is lost, so is a worldview. It’s important to do what we can to promote, preserve and revitalize Michif. By offering the Michif Indigenous Language Certificate, we are providing an opportunity for people to embrace the language and the Michif worldview in order to keep the language alive.”

The certificate is open not only to teachers but also to anyone interested in learning and improving their fluency in an Indigenous language.

The certificate is open not only to teachers but also to anyone interested in learning and improving their fluency in an Indigenous language. For more information or to apply, visit the Certificate in Indigenous Languages website.

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For media inquiries please contact:
Connor Jay
Communications Co-ordinator
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
connor.jay@usask.ca