Introduction |  History |  Daily Life |  Culture | References

Culture

Language

The Métis language is called Michif. It is a mixed language that uses French nouns with Cree verbs and Cree grammar. It also has some Ojibwa and English words in it. A language similar to Michif, called Bungee, also had some Gaelic words in it (learned from Scottish fur traders). Bungee is now extinct. Non-Métis people often were mean to the Métis for speaking Michif, so for a while many Métis stopped teaching it to their children. Now people are becoming more proud of their Métis heritage and are encouraging their children to learn Michif.

Religion

The Métis were brought up in the Catholic or Protestant faith of their European fathers and the Native spiritual beliefs of their Aboriginal mothers.

Music and Dance

The Métis are known as great fiddle players and step dancers. Both the fiddle playing and dancing originally came from the French and the Scots. The Métis adapted them to their culture, often adding footwork from Native dances and making their own fiddles.