Michif Support

Leah LePlante and MP Merv Tweed

Six communities in southwestern Manitoba will have the opportunity to increase

their knowledge and use of the Michif language, thanks to support from the Government

of Canada.

Funding was announced today by Brandon-Souris MP Merv Tweed.

The funding allows the Manitoba Métis Federation Southwest Region to offer 14

bi-weekly lessons in each of the 6 communities. The classes, taught by an elder

fluent in Michif, are intended for children, young people, and adults.

Tweed says “The Manitoba Metis Federation Southwest Region is contributing to the

vitality of the Michif language by making these sessions accessible to the different

generations within the communities."

“We were thrilled when we got the phone call to tell us we were funded for another

 14 week Michif language program. We were funded last year and in some of

our communities we had four generations of the same family at the classes.

The younger ones were learning the language for the first time and the older

 ones were excited to be reacquainting themselves with the language that had

been spoken in their homes when they were children.” Said Leah LePlante Vice-President

 of MMFSR.  “Our Michif-speaking Elders are the keepers of our language. They are the

teachers and they are very proud of their role in preserving and revitalizing our language.”