Preserving Michif: A Mobile App for Language and Cultural Connection

Project details

Paper Leaf partnered with the BC Métis Federation (BCMF) to design and develop a mobile app that supports the preservation and learning of the Michif language. Built with accessibility and offline use, the app helps Métis community members connect with their language.

Problem statement

The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is deeply committed to preserving Michif—a traditional Métis language. Their goal was clear: create a digital tool that could support language learning, cultural reconnection, and long-term sustainability of the Michif language across their growing community.

The app needed to work seamlessly for users with different levels of technical comfort, particularly elders, while also engaging younger learners. It also had to function reliably in low-connectivity environments, such as remote cultural camps and workshops.

What we did

We worked closely with BCMF to define clear goals and success metrics, centering the experience around accessibility, adoption, and meaningful engagement. Key considerations included:

• Supporting users with varying levels of technical comfort
• Ensuring offline functionality for uninterrupted access
• Creating a learning experience that resonates across generations and user groups, including elders, youth, educators, and families.

Paper Leaf designed and built a mobile-first Michif glossary application using React Native, mirroring the existing Michif glossary while optimizing for mobile use. Key features include:

• Offline-first functionality, allowing users to download all audio at once or skip downloads depending on their needs.
• Audio-supported glossary, with pronunciation tied to each word. This is supported by approximately 1,000 sound files that were migrated over.
• Accessible interface design, including clear typography and straightforward navigation.
• Feature parity with the existing website, ensuring consistency across platforms.
• Content management alignment, integrating with BCMF’s existing Sanity CMS, enabling efficient updates across web and mobile platforms. 

Throughout the build, we maintained close collaboration with BCMF, adapting priorities where needed—such as focusing efforts on core offline capabilities over additional features.

Outcomes

Launched in March 2025, the Michif mobile app provides a dependable way for community members to engage with their language.

By prioritizing offline access, the app supports learning for all generations wherever they may be. BCMF was extremely happy with the final product, and they now have a flexible, easy-to-manage platform that can evolve alongside their ongoing language revitalization efforts.