Grant: Project Grant

Métis People experience different health profiles from other Indigenous Peoples but are rarely included in assessments of Indigenous People's health. Many generations of Métis hid their Métis identity and did not practice Métis culture including Michif language or the Red River Jig (RRJ), the most famous of Métis traditional dances. Today, many Métis People are reclaiming and learning traditional cultural practices including RRJ and Michif language. In a previously funded project, we explored health and well-being benefits of learning and practicing the RRJ. We identified practicing RRJ improved a variety of health measures, including blood vessels, balance, social support, and memory. Our team also leads research in Michif language, including developing resources and best practices for learning and transmitting the language. Learning and practicing Indigenous languages has recently been linked to improved health and well-being for Indigenous Peoples. The proposed project brings together Métis Elders, Language Keepers, researchers, and community members to evaluate and explore health benefits of learning and practicing the RRJ alongside Michif language in comparison to learning and practicing RRJ or Michif language alone. We will hold a series of RRJ, Michif language, and RRJ with Michif language programs. Evaluating and exploring health benefits of these three programs will include: 1.Comparing the health benefits of a RRJ with Michif language program to a RRJ or Michif language program alone; and compare the Michif language learning of the Michif language and RRJ with Michif language programs; 2.Conversations with and storytelling of participants of the three programs to explore the experiences and health benefits of the three programs and how participants' thinking of health has changed; 3.Appraising and developing resources and materials to teach RRJ and Michif language.