A new Michif Language collection is available at the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), with items for children and adults.  

Michif is a Métis language, which has elements of Cree, French, and Ojibwe. Statistics Canada shows that 1,485 Métis reported that they were able to converse in Michif as of 2021. 

Naomi Setter, public service and social media clerk for the MJPL, pointed to the importance of the collection based on Moose Jaw’s history. “We as a library acknowledge that we are on Treaty 4 territory, and part of that Treaty 4 Territory is Métis Nation.” 

“Most of the items in the collection are guided reading books for juvenile readers. There’s some storybook as well – picture books,” Setter added.  

She said that there are also several kits that include flashcards for both North and South Michif, and they are looking to add to the collection in the future.  

“We already have other multi-lingual collections that are part of the provincial library collection, but this one is sort of special, because it belongs to us and not the provincial library.” 

You can find the Michif Language collection in the Adult section near the magazines.