Paykiiwikay - The Metis Culture Podcast

This episode of Paykiiwikay takes a deep dive into the history of the Michif language, from its earliest roots in the fur trade, up to the present day and why Michif language preservation is so important. Our guest is Norman Fleury. He is considered the world\'s leading Michif language expert, translator, and knowledge keeper. Originally from St. Lazare, Manitoba, Norman has authored and translated numerous books about the Michif. He has worked extensively with Elders to preserve and document the Michif language. His “Michif Dictionary” published through the Gabriel Dumont Institute (2013) is available in audio and written form. He teaches at the University of Saskatchewan

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.

Jenni Lessard is one of Canada’s top chefs and proud of her Saskatchewan Metis roots. She and Leah talk about why making and processing traditional Metis foods, including the harvesting of local ingredients, helps contribute to the preservation of Michif language and identity.   

Chef Jenny Lessard is a professional Metis chef employed as the Indigenous Culinary Consultant at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon. 

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.

In this episode Leah and guest 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.

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.

Andrea Menard is an award winning actress, singer, playwright and public speaker. She has starred in Netflix TV series, given Ted Talks and sung for royalty, and all of this began, she says, performing at Michif kitchen parties when she was a child. Now based in Vancouver, decades into her successful career she says she still draws heavily on her Michif roots to keep her grounded and help her explore creative boundaries.

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.

Leading Michif educator, Russell Fayant, shares the history of the Metis Nation in Saskatchewan and his own story as an example of how the Michif language almost died, and is now rallying back though SUNTEP Regina programs that promote Michif language, and summer immersion programs at Lebret Farms.

Russell Fayant is Michif from li vallee qu’appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is an instructor for the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program and resides in oskana ka-asasteki, otherwise known as Regina, Saskatchewan. Russell has spent the majority of his career working with and for Indigenous communities. He has a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Regina. He instructs courses in Michif history, culture and language and is working on reclaiming his traditional Michif language. His areas of research include Indigenous language revitalization, Michif history and Michif identity formation.

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.