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Michif languages are unique languages that are historically linked to Métis communities across the Métis homeland.
The three Michif languages, commonly referred to as Southern, Northern, and French Michif, and are made up of elements from both First Nations languages (Cree and Saulteaux) and European languages (French and English).
In the Michif languages, the two most prominent source languages are Cree and French, while Saulteaux and English contribute to a lesser extent.
While Northern, Southern, and French Michif are considered critically endangered today, Métis people and communities across Canada and the US are working to revitalize these languages to ensure current and future generations have access to them.
Learn to Speak Michif
Samson LaMontagne is a Michif teacher from Saskatchewan who shares online resources and videos on his YouTube and TikTok accounts for Northern and Southern Michif.
The Red River Jig and Métis fiddle music are both products of a blend of cultures, just like the Métis themselves are a blending of First Nation and European traditions and values. The Métis music reflected – and continues to reflect – the life-force of the Métis people who have faced adversity and risen above it.
The Métis Heritage Project thanks Madeline McCallum, who hails from Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan for graciously giving the Métis Nation Local 845, Rocky Mountain House, permission to use this video to teach the youth to learn, love and dance the Red River Jig. Enjoy!
