Honoring James and the Métis Translation of the CNC Logo

Cultural Inclusion: Celebrating Michif Translation of the City Nature Challenge logo

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual event that mobilizes thousands of people around the world to document nature in urban areas. This year, the CNC logo underwent a special translation into Michif, the language of the Métis people, by James, a young Métis board member. James's contribution, alongside the efforts of organizers Lila Higgins at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) and Alison Young and Rebecca Johnson at the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), resulted in a logo that reads "Natoon pimatshihk dans la vil," translating to "Search for Life in the City" in English.

It's essential to acknowledge the land on which this collaboration and celebration take place. Saskatoon and the surrounding area are situated in Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis. Treaty 6 was entered into by the nêhiyawak (Cree), nakawē (Saulteaux), and yankton and yanktonai (Nakota) people. This acknowledgment is a vital step in recognizing the historical and ongoing relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the land. It also sets the tone for the spirit of the CNC and the broader environmental conservation movement, rooted in respect and understanding.

The translation of the CNC slogan into Michif serves as a powerful symbol of cultural inclusion and appreciation. It reflects the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse perspectives and languages in our shared efforts to protect and appreciate nature. As we embark on the City Nature Challenge and other collaborative initiatives, let us remember the lessons from the past, the importance of respecting the land and its inhabitants, and the value of coming together as friends to create a better future for all. Thank you to James, Lila Higgins, Alison Young, Rebecca Johnson, and everyone involved in this meaningful collaboration.

Natoon Pimatshihk Dans La Vil: Honoring Métis Language in the CNC