Michif is the traditional language of the Métis Nation, a distinct Indigenous people whose homeland extends across the Canadian Prairies, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, as well as parts of Ontario, British Columbia, North Dakota, and Montana. Michif is a mixed language that developed through the blending of Plains Cree and Métis French, with additional influences from Saulteaux and English. This unique combination reflects the Métis people’s history and their role as cultural and linguistic bridges between Indigenous and European communities. Today, the Métis Nation includes more than 600,000 citizens and people of Métis ancestry across Canada.
There are three main varieties of Michif: Northern Michif, Southern Michif, and Métis French. Because census data does not distinguish between these varieties, the number of speakers is difficult to determine. Southern Michif is considered critically endangered, with some estimates suggesting fewer than 100 fluent speakers remain, most of whom are elders. Despite these challenges, a growing community of second-language learners is working to revitalize Michif through education, documentation, and community initiatives. This online course was created to help connect learners across the Métis homeland and support the continued growth of this remarkable language for future generations.