Michif language loss and its impact on the Métis community

In this episode Leah and Elder Calvin Racette explore stories of language loss and its impact on Métis Elders and community members. Elder Calvin teaches us about the historical factors that have led to the Michif language becoming endangered today.

This episode talks about the Road Allowance experience and how racism and exclusion devalued Michif language retention and fluency.  

 A former Executive Director of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Calvin’s early career was spent as a researcher/curriculum writer for the GDI in Regina.  

 He has written multiple acclaimed books on Métis history and culture. And he has been involved in a number of important Metis history documentaries, including “ La Sawndr akwa Mawtoowin (Ashes to Tears),” the Green Lake story.  

Calvin is a knowledge keeper and proud grandparent living in Regina, Saskatchewan.