Our Michif flashcards are designed to introduce young learners to the Michif language in an engaging and accessible way. Each flashcard features a Michif word alongside an illustration, making learning fun and interactive. To support proper pronunciation, we’ve included audio recordings of distinguished Métis elder and prominent speaker Norman Fleury pronouncing each word. These flashcards are illustrated by Manitoba artist Sheldon Dawson, and available in both physical and digital formats, ensuring access for all educators, parents, and caregivers.
The Red River Métis are a mixed-race Indigenous people whose historical homeland is found in Western Canada's three Prairie Provinces, extending into parts of Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northwest United States.
Michif originated in the early 19th century along the Red River in Manitoba. The language came about as a result of contact between Cree & Ojibwe speakers and French fur traders. The Métis are descendants of these trades and First Nations women.
Michif is spoken in the Prairie provinces, Montana, and North Dakota. This project uses Heritage, or Western Michif. Michif is an endangered language with as few as 1000 speakers remaining.
For assistance with pronunciation, please visit savemichif.ca
Developed by Prairie Sky Press in partnership with Pemmican Publications, The Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Government of Canada.