
The Métis Cultural Program has been created to preserve, strengthen, and transmit Métis/Michif culture, traditions, and Michif language in Saskatchewan. The program is open to all students throughout Saskatoon, and lives at Westmount where it supports all students from prekindergarten to Grade 8 and is delivered exclusively from a Métis/Michif perspective infused in curricular outcomes throughout the subject areas.
The intent of the program is to enrich student education through authentic learning experiences within a Métis/Michif world view. The learning occurs through a co-teaching model where the Métis culture teacher, Michif Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and the Michif language teacher work with classroom teachers to integrate language, content, and perspectives. This approach is building capacity in all teachers to infuse content, perspectives, and language in all curricular areas.
During the school year, students are engaged in enriching their skills from a Métis/Michif perspective, building culturally relevant leadership skills, transferring knowledge between generations, and participating in experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities are made possible due to the generosity and commitment of members from the Métis/Michif communities in Saskatoon.
Partnerships and support from the Lii Pleu Vyeu, Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI), Metis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S), Gabriel Dumont Local 11, and Saskatoon Public Schools' First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Education Unit are essential to the success of the Métis Cultural Program.
Mii Taant leur Plaas Program
Westmount Community School is the home of Mii Taant leur Plaas (Auntie's Place), a Michif early learning program offering full-day prekindergarten, Monday to Thursday and full-day Kindergarten, Monday to Friday. Children ages 3, 4, and 5 will learn the Michif language and culture through play and exploration, storytelling, and songs with an increased focus on traditions, customs, and beliefs. These essential learning experiences are taught by Michif/Métis teachers and supported by Lii Vyeu (Old Peoples), language speakers, knowledge keepers, community, partners, and families. Information and application forms are available at on the program webpage.