A silent speaker is someone who has a deep understanding of a language but does not actively speak it, or does so in a limited capacity. This can be due to various social and historical factors, such as attending residential or day schools, experiencing imposed shame around their language, or lacking opportunities to use it, even if they grew up immersed in it.

Despite this, silent speakers play a crucial role in language revitalization. Their retained knowledge can help them reconnect with their language, and their experiences provide valuable insight into its historical use and cultural significance.

Language is deeply tied to culture, worldview, and identity. For the Métis, Michif is more than a means of communication—it carries stories, knowledge, traditions, and a unique way of seeing the world. Revitalizing Michif is an act of reclaiming and affirming Métis identity and pride.

The number of fluent Michif speakers is very small, and most are Elders. If we don’t act now, we risk losing not just the language, but an entire worldview and cultural heritage. This project is about passing Michif on to future generations.