Latest news with #Michif
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Métis Students Launch En Roo - A New Digital Platform Connecting Métis Learners to Scholarships, Resources and Community
Student-built app breaks down financial barriers and strengthens cultural connections EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Rupertsland Institute (RLI) and the Métis Education Foundation (MEF) have launched En Roo, a first-of-its-kind web platform designed by Métis students to help their peers access scholarships, resources, and community connections. Developed over three academic years by a team of Métis student interns led by developers Ethan Trac and Rowan Blackbeard, En Roo addresses a longstanding challenge for Métis learners: finding and managing financial supports in one dedicated space. En Roo is a web application, optimized for desktop and mobile browsers, and available to members of the Otipemisiwak Métis Students' & Alumni Association. The free platform, funded by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government through the Government of Canada, offers a curated database of scholarships exclusively for Métis students, tools to track applications from start to finish, storage for required documents, and access to community event listings and future mentorship opportunities. For lead developer Ethan Trac, the project was personal. He recalled how difficult and confusing it was to find resources as a student, saying that it was "a miracle" he discovered Métis scholarships at all. "I wanted to create an environment where I could discover and keep track of scholarships I applied for — all in one place," said Trac. He added that the process of applying was often overwhelming, with tracking done manually in spreadsheets. "En Roo allows students to easily discover scholarships while giving them the tools to keep track of their applications from start to finish." Co-developer Rowan Blackbeard shared a similar motivation for joining the project. "I got involved because I had lived the exact problem En Roo was trying to solve," Blackbeard said. "I remembered how lost I felt searching for resources, so when I saw a project dedicated to fixing that, I knew I had to contribute. As a Métis student in tech, the chance to help build a resource for my own community was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." The vision for En Roo in its first year is to launch successfully, raise awareness, and see strong adoption by Métis students. Over time, the platform will evolve based on community feedback, with plans to add mentorship features, cultural resource links, and internship opportunities. "En Roo is more than just a scholarship database — it's an empowerment tool," said Lisa Savill, Executive Director, Métis Education Foundation. "I am extremely proud that this platform was built by our Métis students, for Métis students. It reflects our vision of giving learners control over their educational journey while staying rooted in culture and community. This is a step toward removing financial barriers and ensuring Métis students have the tools they need to succeed." En Roo means "The Wheel" in heritage Michif, symbolizing the student journey with its many spokes, steps, and milestones, and reflecting a strong connection to Métis culture and identity. Students can access the platform at by signing in with their MyRLI Identity. Rupertsland Institute is an affiliate of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, mandated to deliver education, training, and research to support the advancement of Métis people in Alberta. The Métis Education Foundation provides scholarships and bursaries that remove financial barriers for Métis learners, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Desiree Harris named new District Principal of Indigenous Learning for SD46
The Sunshine Coast School District (SD46) has appointed Desiree Harris as its new District Principal of Indigenous Learning, effective Aug. 1. Her appointment follows the retirement of longtime leader Kerry Mahlman. According to a district release, Harris was selected after a national search led by Leaders International and a selection committee that included representatives from the shíshálh Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. The district credited the committee's 'insights and unique perspectives' in helping choose a leader aligned with Indigenous values and vision. Harris, who is Michif, Red River Métis, brings over a decade of classroom experience and years in leadership roles focused on Indigenous education, equity, and curriculum development. She holds a master's degree in Indigenous studies, with a thesis that used Indigenous research methodologies to explore student experiences and supports that foster respect and wellbeing. 'I am grateful to live and work as a guest on the traditional, unceded lands and waters of shíshálh Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw,' Harris said in the release. 'I carry a deep sense of responsibility to walk alongside shíshálh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families, and communities to ensure their voices, cultures, and rights are valued and upheld in our schools.' Superintendent Kate Kerr welcomed Harris to the role, praising her 'dedication, authenticity, and vision,' and thanked Mahlman for her 'extraordinary leadership and commitment to Indigenous learning over the years.' Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter's civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
25-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Late Metis elder from Saskatchewan honoured with Canada Post stamp
A Métis elder and Michif language keeper from Saskatchewan is being commemorated with a Canada Post stamp. Sophie McDougall, who passed away in 2023, was a teacher from St. Louis, dedicating her life to sharing her knowledge of cultures and language with others. 'She kept us all together,' said the honoree's daughter Peggy Parenteau at the June 17 stamp reveal. 'She taught us so many things. It's hard to believe that she's being honoured today. But she's well-deserved of it. She worked hard all her life.' McDougall was an elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women's Association (PAMWA) for 20 years, and translated books and written materials into Michif, all while engaging in other projects to preserve the endangered language. 'Working with Sophie was such an honour,' said PAMWA Director Noreen McBride in a speech at the stamp reveal. 'She took immense pride in these books, which were beautifully illustrated by local youth, and she was proud to share them with young people throughout Prince Albert and beyond.' The stamp was issued June 20, alongside two other stamps honouring Indigenous leaders. 'These honorees are widely loved, respected and admired in their communities across the country,' said Tyler Thomas, Canada Post's director of Indigenous and northern affairs. 'The Métis National Council selected Sophie for the latest stamp.' McBride used her speech to share more about McDougall's character. 'She was a woman of strength. She was a woman of wisdom. And she was a woman to be remembered,' she said. 'Her legacy lives on through her family, and her contributions to our language.'
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Métis federation asks court to throw out CFS wage parity
Weeks after Métis and Michif child and family services workers won wage parity with their provincial counterparts through binding arbitration, their employers are headed to court to overturn the decision. The Manitoba Métis Federation announced, in a news release, that both the Métis Child, Family and Community Services Agency and the Michif Child and Family Services Agency have filed notice in Manitoba Court of King's Bench asking for 'an urgent hearing' for a judicial review of the arbitrator's May 20 decision. No one from the federation responded to interview requests on Tuesday. In the news release, it said increasing the pay for 220 workers with Metis CFCS and 110 employees with Michif CFS was 'unreasonable' and the agencies 'cannot manage due to lack of adequate funding from the Province of Manitoba.' Mona Buors, the federation's CFS minister, said in a statement a judicial review is being sought 'in hopes of a more stable outcome for our children, families and employees.' Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, which represents the workers, said both sides agreed to binding arbitration and accepted the choice of Michael Werier as arbitrator. 'Now, because one side is not happy with the results, it is a little frustrating,' Ross said. 'I'm sure our members are frustrated, because I know I am.' 'They ended their strike, with an agreement from the employer, that we would go to binding arbitration and they assumed, as did we, that the arbitrator, when the made a fair ruling, that it would get implemented and they would receive what the deal was settled on.' As for whether the workers could soon be back on the picket line, Ross said 'we believe it is binding arbitration and we made the choice with our members to go to binding arbitration and end that strike so we will have to wait and see how this plays out. 'I struggle to believe they are going to be able to make a case to prove that there was something untoward happening at this arbitration.' A total of 330 workers ended their two-week strike and returned to work on April 8 after an arbitration hearing was scheduled for April 22. Werier later ordered 'fair and reasonable' wage increases for wage parity for both agencies. A spokesperson said the province wouldn't comment on the legal action. Adam King, an assistant professor in the labour studies program at the University of Manitoba, said he has been following the case because it was the first under Bill 37, Manitoba's new labour legislation. 'I was disappointed to hear this has happened,' King said. 'This was a good first example of the law and how it would work. The employer did agree to go to arbitration… it seems now the employer has sat down with their lawyers and decided to get a judicial review.' King said persuading a judge to overturn an arbitrator's decision will be tough. 'It's very rare for this to happen,' he said. 'Generally, the courts give quite a bit of latitude to arbitrators. Overturning a decision only happens under limited circumstances. 'I think this is just an unfortunate delay procedure.' Kevin RollasonReporter Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin. Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
New stamp commemorates Métis Elder and Michif Language Keeper Sophie McDougall Français
McDougall shared knowledge of her culture and language with generations of students and community members This news release is also available to read in Michif French. PRINCE ALBERT, SK, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Post hosted an event in Prince Albert today to celebrate an upcoming stamp commemorating Métis Elder and Michif Language Keeper, Sophie McDougall. A devoted educator and leader, McDougall (1928-2023) is remembered for sharing extensive knowledge of her culture and language with generations of students and community members over her long life. This stamp is one of three Indigenous Leaders stamps that will be issued on June 20 – the day before National Indigenous Peoples Day. The set is the fourth in Canada Post's multi-year Indigenous Leaders series. McDougall's life and legacy Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, McDougall (née Margaret Sophie Boyer) was a descendant of the area's original settlers. As a Métis woman, she experienced discrimination at teachers' college but faced it with courage and determination. She spent many years as a dedicated schoolteacher. Her first teaching assignment was in 1945 in a remote area north of North Battleford – at a tiny school with no electricity. An Elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women's Association in Saskatchewan for 20 years, McDougall translated books and other materials into Michif, the traditional language of many Métis. Michif is categorized as critically endangered by UNESCO. She also worked with many organizations in Prince Albert to document and teach the regional dialect Michif French. In her late 80s she appeared in the YouTube series, Métis Women Stories and later contributed to the creation of the Learn Michif French app. In 2023, McDougall received the Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold Medal in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Métis of Canada. About the stamp The stamp features an illustration of McDougall based on a photograph provided by her family. In the background are photos of the St. Louis Parish and the original St. Louis highway and railway bridge in her hometown. The stamp is designed by Andrew Perro, with illustration by Jennifer Radia, featuring background photography courtesy of the St. Louis Historical Society, the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan and iStock. It is printed by Lowe-Martin. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent ™ stamps, an Official First Day Cover and a souvenir sheet. The cancellation site is St. Louis, Saskatchewan, and the cancellation mark features an illustration of an old schoolhouse bell, symbolizing the pivotal role that education played in McDougall's life. About the Indigenous Leaders stamp series The Indigenous Leaders series was launched in 2022 and highlights the contributions of Inuit, Métis and First Nations leaders who dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This year, Canada Post will issue three stamps in honour of Julia Haogak Ogina, Sophie McDougall and Bruce Starlight. There are two other stamp events this month: On Friday, June 13, the stamp honouring Julia Haogak Ogina was celebrated in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories. On Thursday, June 19, the stamp recognizing Bruce Starlight will be celebrated in Tsúut'ínà Nation, Alberta. The new stamps and collectibles will be available at and select postal outlets across Canada starting June 20. For links to images of the stamps and other products: TM Trademark of Canada Post Corporation.
