Michif Language Program

Miyo Nakiskawâw

Welcome

St. Michael Community School is home to the division's Michif Language Program, offering bilingual instruction (at least half of the day is taught in Michif) for students in kindergarten to Grade 3. Starting in September 2024, the program will expand to include Grade 4. 

Michif is the traditional Métis language that blends French and Plains Cree.

Michif Bilingual Program includes:

• all-day, every-day kindergarten;
• the opportunity to grow in your Métis identity through an emphasis on language and culture;
• integration of land-based learning; and
• nutrition support provided (breakfast, lunch, snack)

Transportation is provided.

In addition to the bilingual program, Michif is taught as a classroom subject in all grades (kindergarten - Grade 8). About 100 minutes per week will be spent teaching Michif, depending on the grade level.

The language program was established using available resources and working collaboratively with Métis organizations such as Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan.

Background

• fall 2014: St. Michael Community School begins Métis Cultural Program
• April 2016: GSCS and CUMFI sign Educational Alliance Agreement
• April 2019: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education introduces Michif 10, 20 and 30 high school curriculum
• (Our hope is the elementary core Michif language program opens the door for future high school courses in the division.)
• June 2019: GSCS Board of Education approves Core Michif Language Program at St. Michael Community School
• September 2020: Michif Bilingual Kindergarten begins thanks to a partnership with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan.