Michif Languages Oral History Project 1996 - Joe Bell
The Michif Languages Oral History Project 1996 researched the oral history of the survivors of Ste. Madeleine who spoke Michif languages. Don Fleury interviewed seven elders for the project and gathered approximately 10 hours of audio. The dynamics and uniqueness of the languages became evident upon listening to the speakers. The speakers sometimes spoke both Michif Cree and Michif French and occasionally switched languages mid-conversation with ease. The interviews document the first time the Michif Cree language was identified and recorded in southwestern Manitoba.
Ste. Madeleine no longer exists physically today due to the forceful removal of the Métis from their lands to make way for community pasture for Euro-Canadian farmers. The survivors and families, many of which still live in nearby communities, return every year for Ste. Madeleine Days.
Transcription:
St. Lazare, Manitoba