Supporting Michif Language and Culture in Kamloops

News Release

Parliamentary Secretary Cathy McLeod announces support for Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society

September 18, 2014 – Kamloops, British Columbia – Canadian Heritage

The Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society will receive a total of $60,908 in funding for two projects through Canadian Heritage’s Aboriginal Peoples’ Program (APP).

Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding of $31,058 is being provided through the APP’s Aboriginal Languages Initiative for the continuation of the Society’s “Lii Michif and Lii Danse Equals Fun” project. The second phase of the project “Healing Through Our Michif Ways” is receiving $29,850 in funding through the APP’s Aboriginal Women’s Programming Elements.

Quick Facts

The “Lii Michif and Lii Danse Equals Fun” project includes a seven-day language immersion cultural excursion for youth, and 80 hours of Michif language and Métis jigging sessions.
The Healing Through Our Michif Ways project will offer a series of activities to 60 Aboriginal women, including talking circles, traditional ceremonies, jigging programs, moccasin making and beading sessions. The women will also have an opportunity to learn from Elders as a means of increasing knowledge of their history, language and culture.
In 2013, the Society received funding to implement the second phase of the “Lii Michif and Lii Danse Equals Fun” project and the first phase of the “Healing Through Our Michif Ways” project.
This year’s projects build on the work already undertaken by the Society, which focuses on strengthening the Michif language and culture, and developing a sense of belonging among Métis women in the community.

Quotes

“As a proud Métis woman, I understand the importance of remaining connected with culture and tradition. Our Government is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages and cultures for Aboriginal communities. They are an integral part of Canada’s identity. I applaud the Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society for their efforts and for the valuable services they provide to the Métis community in Kamloops.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Thanks to organizations like the Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society, Métis women will have an opportunity to share, learn and reconnect with their culture, customs and ancestry. I am pleased this investment will support the revitalization and preservation of the Michif language and culture in our community.”

—Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo)

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and team, I wish to express our gratitude for the funding we have received from Canadian Heritage. This funding will allow us the opportunity to continue our efforts to encourage within Métis children, youth and families a sense of pride and belonging to their community and cultural identity as Métis people. A sense of belonging is considered to be a powerful protective factor and core to one’s healing. By creating opportunities for Métis people to gather, learn about their history, and engage in their traditional Michif language, music and dance, we will contribute to healing. We are so honoured to be part of this important process.”

—Colleen Lucier, Executive Director, Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services Society