MNS is collaborating with Canadian Geographic and its cross-Canada network of educators on the Future of Michif program to bring this celebration of Métis language and culture into the national consciousness. Elements of the project will include the creation of a Michif Language Speakers Bureau to promote and teach Michif; an online Michif language conversation forum on the MN-S website; a free, summer camp-style program for Métis youth focusing on Michif language learning during the 2020 Batoche Days celebration, and a Michif language training program for educators. Additionally, a feature story on the Michif language and associated poster map will appear in an issue of Canadian Geographic magazine.

Canadian Geographic’s involvement in the program builds on the success of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, which it developed in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indspire, and which went on to become a national bestseller.

Gilles Gagnier, publisher and chief operating officer of Canadian Geographic Enterprises, says the Future of Michif program is an exciting opportunity to support the Métis People of Saskatchewan in growing the number of Michif speakers and helping Canadians learn more about the language. “Our experience in publishing the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada was instrumental in guiding Canadian Geographic on its first steps on the path to reconciliation,” he said. “We are proud to continue this important journey, in partnership with the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan.”