People & Culture

Calvin Racette - Losing the Michif language

Episode 3

Elder Calvin Racette explores language loss and its impact on the Métis community

  • Published Feb 09, 2021
  • Updated Apr 15, 2022
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This episode explores stories of language loss and its impact on Métis Elders and community members. Elder Calvin Racette teaches us about the historical factors that have led to the Michif language becoming endangered today. This episode talks about the Road Allowance experience and how racism and exclusion devalued Michif language retention and fluency.   

ABOUT PAYKIIWIKAY

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

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