New stamp commemorates Métis Elder and Michif Language Keeper Sophie McDougall
McDougall shared knowledge of her culture and language with generations of students and community members
This news release is also available to read in Michif French.
PRINCE ALBERT, SK, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Canada Post hosted an event in Prince Albert today to celebrate an upcoming stamp commemorating Métis Elder and Michif Language Keeper, Sophie McDougall.
A devoted educator and leader, McDougall (1928-2023) is remembered for sharing extensive knowledge of her culture and language with generations of students and community members over her long life.
This stamp is one of three Indigenous Leaders stamps that will be issued on June 20 – the day before National Indigenous Peoples Day. The set is the fourth in Canada Post’s multi-year Indigenous Leaders series.
McDougall’s life and legacy
Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, McDougall (née Margaret Sophie Boyer) was a descendant of the area’s original settlers. As a Métis woman, she experienced discrimination at teachers’ college but faced it with courage and determination. She spent many years as a dedicated schoolteacher. Her first teaching assignment was in 1945 in a remote area north of North Battleford – at a tiny school with no electricity.
An Elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association in Saskatchewan for 20 years, McDougall translated books and other materials into Michif, the traditional language of many Métis. Michif is categorized as critically endangered by UNESCO. She also worked with many organizations in Prince Albert to document and teach the regional dialect Michif French. In her late 80s she appeared in the YouTube series, Métis Women Stories and later contributed to the creation of the Learn Michif French app. In 2023, McDougall received the Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold Medal in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Métis of Canada.
About the stamp
The stamp features an illustration of McDougall based on a photograph provided by her family. In the background are photos of the St. Louis Parish and the original St. Louis highway and railway bridge in her hometown. The stamp is designed by Andrew Perro, with illustration by Jennifer Radia, featuring background photography courtesy of the St. Louis Historical Society, the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan and iStock. It is printed by Lowe-Martin. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps, an Official First Day Cover and a souvenir sheet.
The cancellation site is St. Louis, Saskatchewan, and the cancellation mark features an illustration of an old schoolhouse bell, symbolizing the pivotal role that education played in McDougall’s life.
About the Indigenous Leaders stamp series
The Indigenous Leaders series was launched in 2022 and highlights the contributions of Inuit, Métis and First Nations leaders who dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
This year, Canada Post will issue three stamps in honour of Julia Haogak Ogina, Sophie McDougall and Bruce Starlight. There are two other stamp events this month:
- On Friday, June 13, the stamp honouring Julia Haogak Ogina was celebrated in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories.
- On Thursday, June 19, the stamp recognizing Bruce Starlight will be celebrated in Tsúut’ínà Nation, Alberta.
The new stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and select postal outlets across Canada starting June 20.
For links to images of the stamps and other products:
- Access an external folder with high-resolution images.
- Watch the video and read the Canada Post magazine article.
- Social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
TM Trademark of Canada Post Corporation.
SOURCE Canada Post
