Miywasin Moment: Language revitalization fosters fellowship at Metis retreat

By JoLynn Parenteau on October 27, 2021.

Going back to your roots sometimes means getting back to nature.

For four days this past week, deep in the southern foothills of Cypress Hills, a lively group of people from all over the Western provinces of Turtle Island – the name for North America based on an Indigenous creation story – gathered together at Eagles Nest Ranch for a special purpose: to walk (and sing and jig) together on a pathway towards Michif language revitalization.

Michif is the language of the Metis people. Often simplified in description as a blend of Cree verbs and French nouns, attendees of the Miiywaashin Michif Language and Culture Camp learn that Michif goes far beyond syntax and a vast lexicon.

“What we’re building here is very precious,” says Metis Elder Norman Fleury. “We’re going to go home with something important.”

The author of six children’s books, a Michif dictionary, and many more resources, Fleury speaks seven languages, but his mother tongue is Michif. He spoke passionately to the assembled group about the language that was born during the time of the fur trade, whose remaining native speakers are few.

“I learned Michif in my mother’s womb, I learned it when my kookum (grandmother) delivered me. I learned it by oral tradition. Now I’m proud to be one to help rebuild our nation and our language. It’s my responsibility as a Michif speaker,” said Fleury.

Special guests joined Fleury via zoom and on stage. One honoured Michif guest speaker was Elder Marie Schoenthal, who grew up on a road allowance but didn’t publicly acknowledge her Metis heritage until the age of 65. Nearly 20 years on, she’s now a highly sought-after Michif teacher. Camp guests hung onto Schoenthal’s every word, then dutifully repeated after her as she taught simple Michif phrases: how to introduce oneself and family, how to inquire about the weather and how to wish someone a happy birthday.

Camp participants were delighted by the high-spirited tunes of two-time Fiddle Grandmaster Daniel Gervais of St. Paul, accompanied by celebrated North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame inductee JJ Guy, and Miywasin Friendship Centre Board President Wally Garrioch on guitar. Gervais led guests in learning Michif and French songs, a musical wooden spoons lesson, and a hand-painted jiggerman dolls dancing demonstration, to the special enjoyment of children young and old in the audience.

Hosted by Miywasin Friendship Centre and emceed by Metis Cultural Facilitator and Consultant Amy Cross, guests were immersed in many aspects of Michif culture. From learning jig steps and a new sash dance to baking bannock over a roaring fire, those gathered fostered fellowship and a renewed understanding of their shared lineage. Respected historian and genealogist Darcy McRae guided participants in exploring their ancestry. Said one young man in attendance, “Learning my past fits with my passion for history.”

In June 2022, Miywasin Friendship Centre staff hope to return to Eagles Nest Ranch to host The Hills Are Alive, a four-day festival celebrating Metis culture, and again next fall for another Michif camp. Until then, anyone interested in learning more about Métis history and the Michif language can find resources through the Gabriel Dumont Institute online at https://gdins.org/metis-culture/. GDI’s ‘Michif To Go’ app is available free to download for Android and iOS. On facebook, search “Southern Michif for Beginners” to find an online course community.

After an immersive getaway featuring hearty comfort food, fresh air and cozy nights of fiddle music around the fire, upon departure guests wished each other ‘kaa-waa-pa-matin miina’ – ‘see you again soon’. To Miiywaashin Camp’s hosts and Elders who gave of their time and knowledge so generously, I say ‘ni mii-yeuyh-tayn aen kii ki-too-ti-taan’ – ‘it’s been nice talking to you’.

JoLynn Parenteau is a Metis writer out of Miywasin Friendship Centre. Column feedback can be sent to jolynn.parenteau@gmail.com

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