Learn Michif French

About Learn Michif French

Michif French is one of the dialects of Michif, the traditional language spoken by the Métis in Western Canada. The Michif French app features over 3,000 word translations and audio pronunciations as well as almost 800 phrases, provided by Michif French Language Keepers, Sophie McDougall, Doris McDougall, Sonny Vandale, and Phyllis Vermette. Use the search tool to look up English words and find the Michif French translation and pronunciation. The search tool can also function in reverse so users can search the Michif French word to find the English translation.

It is important to note that there is not a common orthography for Michif French. Therefore, this app features English phonetics for most spellings in order to meet the needs of app users in understanding the pronunciation. This app is a work in progress and will continue to improve as edits and additions are made!

Michif French is the language spoken by Métis from the community of St. Louis, Saskatchewan. The community was founded in the late nineteenth century by Métis families who moved west from the Red RIver region in Manitoba to take up land in the South Saskatchewan River region. The community quickly became an economic hub for trading activities along the central North and South Saskatchewan river systems as kinship relationships between St. Louis Michif families extend to the Métis communities of Batoche, St. Laurent, Duck Lake, Halcro, Red Deer Hill, and MacDowall, and the former Métis Settlements of Boucherville and Lepine Flats. St. Louis is located approximately 30 km east of the historic site of the 1885 NorthWest Resistance in Batoche. Today, St. Louis is a vibrant Metis community of approximately 500 people.

Community elders describe growing up using Michif French as the language taught and spoken in the home, but being taught to speak only what was considered “proper” English and French in school. This impact of colonialism had resulted in dangerously few fluent Michif French speakers. Community efforts are underway to preserve and promote the language. Michif French is currently being taught in St. Louis’ PK-12 school. This tool is intended to enhance the experience of students, teachers, families, and community members working towards learning and re-learning their traditional language.