A pilot project for a Michif Bilingual Kindergarten program at St. Michael’s Metis School of Excellence is expanding in the fall to Grade One.

Principal Cristin Dorgan Lee says learning the language and the culture promotes pride for the students, the families and the Metis community.  She is grateful to have the support of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board, which sees the importance of de-colonizing education and bringing Indigenous language and culture into the schools.

The pilot project began last fall and was funded by Metis Nation – Saskatchewan.  Now, through provincial and school division language curriculum and resources, the program will expand without any additional costs.  Dorgan Lee says the goal is to have a Michif bilingual program continue through Grade 12.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools was one of six school divisions funded to implement a Michif or Dene early learning language program.
The others are Saskatoon Public Schools, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Northern Lights, Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools.