Elder Norman Fleury, a gifted Michif storyteller and multilingual speaker, hails originally from St. Lazare, Manitoba. His profound wisdom and boundless dedication have been instrumental in promoting and preserving the Michif language, culture, and traditions, ensuring their vibrancy for future generations.

Born and raised near the historic HBC, Fort Ellice on the Carlton Trail in St. Lazare, Norman was imbued with the richness of the Michif language by his mother and grandmother. He was educated primarily by his grandparents in the ways and language of Michif, learning about traditional medicines, fishing, trapping, farming, baking, and working with traditional Michif foods. All was communicated and learned in Michif, with not a word of English spoken at home.

Norman has held numerous pivotal roles, serving as Director of the Manitoba Métis Federation Michif Languages Program and National Co-chair of the Métis National Council’s Michif Language Revitalization Program. He was the Michif Consultant for the Gabriel Dumont Institute from 1990 to 2014 and helped in developing Michif Language curriculum at the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indian Tribal Council. Norman was also a Michif Instructor at Brandon University, where he broadened the curriculum to include Cree languages and contributed significantly to the creation of Michif Language Certificate programs. Norman’s contribution extends to health and community welfare; he served as the director for the drug and alcohol abuse program of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council and was a Life Skills Coach at the Oo-Zawekwun Centre at Rivers, Manitoba.

More recently, he has been integral in establishing new Bachelor of Education streams in Cree and French as well as in the Michif Language Certificate at the University of Saskatchewan, reflecting his enduring dedication to Michif language and culture. Currently, he is Michif Elder of the University of Saskatchewan, and Provincial Elder of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, working across the Métis Homeland designing and teaching Michif language and cultural programs. He is continuously working to integrate and celebrate Michif and Métis knowledge in higher education and in traditional ways.

Norman has authored numerous resources, including "La Lawng: Michif Peekishkwewin: The Canadian Michif Language Dictionary" and has collaborated on learning materials like the language CD "Learn Michif: Kishkeehta Michif," aiming to assist students in learning Michif by listening.

Norman's relentless efforts and commitment to the Michif community have made him a revered figure, earning him numerous accolades and a position on the Elder’s Advisory Council of Brandon University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree and was awarded a PhD in Literature. He is recognized as a mentor and guide, impacting individuals globally and instilling a sense of identity and purpose in countless individuals.

Norman is married with his wife Ruth Anne Fleury and father to his son Marc and his daughter Chantelle. Norman is also a proud grandfather. He harbors a lifelong love for horses and maintains a farm near Woodnorth in southwestern Manitoba. His childhood experiences, including walking or riding horses to Ellice School for his early education, have been pivotal in shaping his love for the community and nature. His passion and dedication extend beyond his professional contributions, touching the hearts of community members and inspiring a sense of pride and connection to Michif heritage.

Elder Norman Fleury's life and work symbolize an inspiring legacy of commitment and service to the preservation and advancement of Michif language, culture, and identity. His transformative leadership and innovative initiatives have set a benchmark in integrating Indigenous knowledge into higher education, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Michif traditions and heritage, and inspiring generations to come.

Elder Norman Fleury’s journey, from the early lessons with his grandparents to his tireless endeavors in education and community welfare, embodies a profound and inspiring narrative of dedication and love for the Michif heritage, making him a true guardian of the Michif Legacy.