A major language event planned as part of Île-à-la-Crosse’s 250th anniversary celebrations has been postponed.
In a public notice released Wednesday, the Village of Île-à-la-Crosse announced the Michif Language Banquet scheduled for July 6 and the Michif Language Conference scheduled for July 7 will no longer proceed as planned.
According to the Village, the events had been developed in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL) since early 2026. Organizers say conference programming, speaker recruitment, workshops and promotional activities had already been completed.
The Village said it received formal notice from OCIL on June 20 that the conference activities would be deferred to a future date.
In correspondence provided to the Village, OCIL said the decision was related to an upcoming leadership transition, including the conclusion of the current commissioner’s term and the appointment of a new commissioner and board of directors.
“As a result of this decision, the Michif Language Banquet and Conference originally planned in partnership with OCIL will no longer proceed as scheduled,” the notice states.
Village officials acknowledged the decision will be disappointing for Elders, presenters, language advocates and visitors who were planning to attend.
The Village also noted that significant planning work had already been completed and said it has requested an urgent meeting with OCIL to discuss the decision and its impact on the community and anniversary celebrations. According to the notice, no response had been received as of June 24.
Despite the cancellation of the language events, organizers say the broader Île-à-la-Crosse 250 celebration will continue as planned.
“We remain committed to celebrating our history, culture, language, and community throughout the week of festivities,” the Village said.
The Village added that it remains hopeful future opportunities will bring together Michif speakers, learners, Elders and communities to celebrate and strengthen the language.
The postponement comes as the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages has been the subject of increased public attention in recent weeks after the federal government ordered a forensic audit into the organization.