Pjila’si(Welcome)

Start your Mi'kmaw language journey today with MHRRA.

Over 16 years, MHRRA has developed programs in the areas of Language/Culture, MHRRA continues to lead the revival of the Mi’kmaw Language in its relationship to Mi’kmaw Culture and traditions. 

What we offer

Online/in-person Language Instruction

We offer 3 levels of Mi'kmaw language lessons using the Smith-Francis writing system developed by Doug Smith and Bernie Francis, these lessons are completed by E-mail or in person at one of our Centres

Language Resource Centres

Three Mi’kmaw language resource centres across Newfoundland welcome you in.

Sple'tk Language Centre in Grand Falls – Windsor

Pi'tawa'si Language Centre in St.George’s

Kitpu Language Centre in DeGrau

The language resource centres are a safe space to practice the language and secure resources to aid in your journey. 

Language and Culture Camps

Stay in touch to learn of the next MHRRA Mi’kmaw Language and Culture Camp. Using the language as a portal to our culture, these camps help us understand Mi’kmaw traditions and worldview

Social Media

Join one of our Facebook pages and choose your way to learn: 

- Traditional Knowledge with Delina Petit Pas

- Language Resource Centers

-Mi’kmaw Language Learners

-Mi’kmaw Motherese

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Lesson Levels Overview

Level 1 Foundations of the Mi’kmaw Language

Participants are introduced to the foundational components of the Mi’kmaw language, including vowel sounds, consonant sounds, pronunciation rules, as well as special sound combinations unique to the language. This level establishes the essential skills required for further learning.

Level 2 Vocabulary and Sentence Development

Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Level 1, participants expand their vocabulary through the introduction of sight words and interactive online learning activities, including flashcards, games, and quizzes. Participants will also begin constructing simple, practical sentences to support everyday communication.

Level 3
Applied Reading and Language Comprehension

Level 3 integrates and reinforces the skills gained in the previous levels through guided reading using online books created for MHRRA by dedicated Mi’kmaw language educator, Angela Christmas. Participants will further strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary recognition, and practical language application skills during this level.

Our Team

Elder Dr. Bernie Francis

Author, Linguist, Advocate, Storyteller, Musician, Mentor. Co-developed the Smith-Francis Mi’kmaw orthography with linguist Doug Smith.Dr. Francis is an author of academic articles on Mi’kmaw law, Mi’kmaw spirituality, the conceptual differences of thought between Mi’kmaw People and Europeans and books explaining Mi’kmaw tradition and language.

Linguist

Curtis Michael

Curtis L. Michael of Sɨpekne’kati First Nation is an experienced teacher of the Smith-Francis Orthography. Humour, song and dance is incorporated in his teaching methods to deliver a fun and effective way to learn. A recipient of the national Indspire Award in 2013, Curtis teaches online and offine and creates educational content for MHRRA social media sites.

Instructor

Angela Christmas is a dedicated Mi'kmaw language teacher in Miawpukek, Conne River Newfoundland, who has spent the past 20 years teaching and sharing the Mi'kmaw language using Smith-Francis orthography. Passionate about language revitalization, she works to inspire younger generations to connect with their culture, identity and traditions through language and community learning.

Mi'kmaw Language Teacher

Angela Christmas

Delina is a tireless administrator who is committed to the revival of the Mi’kmaw language and the Smith Francis Orthography. A registered family mediator with the Family Mediation Canada and the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Delina also holds diploma in Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University

CEO, MHRRA Executive Director

Delina Petit Pas

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Smith-Francis Orthography is a reading/writing system created by Doug Smith and Bernie Francis beginning in 1974 and was completed in 1980 after much research with fluent Mi'kmaw Elders across Mi'kama'ki. This is the reading/writing system MHRRA uses in our Mi'kmaw language program and at our centres across Newfoundland.

  • Our lessons are conducted online and offline at our Language Resource Centers. You’ll be able to learn at your convenience and accessibility. 

  • 100% Free!

    There are no fees to learn the Smith-Francis Mi’kmaw Orthography. With a commitment to preserving and maintaining Indigenous languages, MHRRA programming is sponsored by the Government of Canada..

  • Your level of commitment is dependent on the programming you choose. Should you choose to join us, we encourage your attendance (online or offline and video submissions to aid in your progression.

  • Our team of Language Resource Coordinators

    under the tutelage of Elder Dr. Bernie Francis and Curtis Michael guide participants through the basics.Our Language Resource coordinators are learning with you.

  • Anyone (and those who would like to immerse their children) wanting to know more of Mi’kmaw worldview, culture and traditions. Age, culture background, status, not status – you are welcome to join us.