Métis Elder champions Michif language preservation at The Hills are Alive Fest

Schoenthal is one of only 150 people worldwide who speak Michif, the language of the Métis and she is dedicated to preserving it.

“A lot of people don’t hear a lot about the Métis, we’re the forgotten people,” said Amy Cross from the Miywasin Friendship Centre in Medicine Hat.

“My Kukum, which means grandma in Michif, she never spoke about our Métis culture. So it’s an opportunity to really showcase who we are,” she added.

Cross said the festival allows both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and to grow as a community.

One of the ways they do it is through song and dance.

“Métis people love to laugh, we love music, and so our big thing is just having fun and being a community,” Schoenthal explained.

Carol Syrette from the Miywasin Centre added: “We have Métis jigging, you can learn an instrument in the teepee, there’s fiddle lessons, guitar lessons.”

Many describe the Hills are Alive like a happy family reunion.

Schoenthal told CHAT News that she’s been smiling so much that her face hurts.

“I’m just so blessed to have all these people around,” Schoenthal said.

“They just treat me so good that sometimes I do get emotional.”

Although the festival is full and you won’t be able to catch Schoenthal at the camp this year, there will be a Michif language retreat held by the Miywasin Friendship Centre this September.

Schoenthal also has a TikTok page where she continues to share the Michif language online.

by Lisa Parent

Métis Elder champions Michif language preservation at The Hills are Alive Fest

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