‘Paykiiwikay,’ Métis Culture Podcast keeps the Michif Language and Culture Alive

Ottawa, January 12, 2021 – Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation -Saskatchewan  present “Paykiiwikay,” Métis Culture Podcast, a new online series exploring the rich  Métis culture and Michif language. 

Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, and produced  by veteran broadcast journalist and foreign correspondent David McGuffin, the first  ten episodes of ‘Paykiiwikay’, which is Michif for “come and visit”, takes listeners on  a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan. 

“Working on ‘Paykiiwikay’ has been one of the highlights of my broadcast career,”  said David McGuffin. “I am proud of my Métis roots, which date back to the fur trade.  Like too many Canadians my understanding of the story of the Métis people faded  out at the Battle of Batoche and the defeat of Louis Riel. Working with Leah and the  Métis Nation–Saskatchewan on this series has opened my eyes to the depth and  richness of Métis history, language and culture. I hope our listeners gain as much  from listening to this ten part journey, as I did from working on it.”  

Relying on her own Métis life experiences, Dorion gets up close and personal with  inspirational and diverse guests like Michif educator Russell Fayant, Métis musician  and actress Andrea Menard, and Elder Norman Fleury. The range of topics is as  varied as the personalities; from the impact of Michif language loss on Métis identity,  to Michif cultural expression in the arts and Métis food and cooking.  

“I learned so much from our guests about our many different ways of being Métis. Their  messages are uplifting and I hope everyone enjoys listening to our conversations. I  especially hope our youth get some inspiration from these wonderful cultural leaders  in our Métis community,” said Dorion. 

‘Paykiiwikay’, will address the very real need to preserve heritage, tradition and  Métis identity. “Everything Métis people do is tied to our value systems, beliefs, and  respect,” said MN-S Minister of Language, Culture & Heritage, Sherry McLennan,  “this podcast series will help teach others about the rich Métis history that is an  integral part of the makeup of this province.” 

Canadian Geographic is proud to be a partner of MN-S, and honoured to have been  chosen to collaborate on this exciting project,” said Gilles Gagnier, Chief Operating  Officer and Publisher of Canadian Geographic. “Through these podcasts, we will  share important stories about Métis history, language and culture. We hope you  enjoy and share these podcasts with others.”  ‘Paykiiwikay’ launches on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 with new episodes released  between now and May. They can be streamed on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon  Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, and at cangeo.ca/Paykiiwikay.