B6
S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 1 6 , 2 0 1 9
S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x
Advertisement
MARCH IS FRANCOPHONE MONTH Welcome to the 2019 Rendez-vous de la Francophonie! “Les Rendez-vous de la francophonie” is a time to celebrate! Everyone is invited to participate in the many activities being held during March and throughout the year. Canada is a diverse, welcoming land of opportunity. The desire to develop a better life together is an essential value that connects Canadians. Our country’s two official languages adds to this concept of Canada’s diversity. Support for linguistic duality is one demonstration of what makes this country different, stronger and appealing. Francophone communities across the country integrate into their environments, participate in the development of the local economy and contribute culturally with imagination and creativity. Saskatchewan has a vibrant francophone community. French speakers in Saskatchewan are known specifically as “Fransaskois”. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the 40th anniversary of the Fransaskois flag and the 21st Rendezvous de la Francophonie. According to the 2016 census, 10.3
million people can speak French in Canada,. While most Francophones reside in Atlantic Canada, Québec and Ontario, many are at home in Western Canada. Some come from families that have been established here for generations, while others are newcomers, landed immigrants or Canadians who have acquired the French language. In Saskatchewan roughly 54 thousand people can speak French, where 14 435 of those have French as a first language. Everyone is invited to participate in the 21st annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie celebrates the French language and its various cultures by showcasing community events across Saskatchewan. The Rendez-vous de la Francophonie invites Canadians to come together to celebrate a love for the French language in good spirits and with joie de vivre. WHO ARE THE FRANSASKOIS? Saskatchewan’s Francophone community is culturally diverse. It is made up of French speakers and francophiles
of various origins. Métis, French-Canadian, Acadian, French, Belgian, FrancoAmerican form the traditional base of the community. More recently people from across Europe, North Africa, Central and Eastern Africa and as far away as Mauritius have made Saskatchewan their home and contribute to the patchwork and diversity of the Fransaskois community in the 21st century. The term Fransaskois designates someone who identifies with the Saskatchewan Francophone community whether it be through birth, marriage or by choice. They contribute to the vitality of the French language in Saskatchewan. WHAT IS THE RENDEZ-VOUS DE LA FRANCOPHONIE? Since 1998, the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie has been an annual opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate their connection to the French language. Les Rendez-vous de la francophonie is made possible with the financial support of Canadian Heritage, they are organized nationally by the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dia-
logue, whose mission is to promote and support dialogue bringing Francophone communities together with all elements of Canadian society. In Saskatchewan the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) along with the many other Francophone community organizations collaborate to highlight the presence of the French language and communicate what is available in French, in Saskatchewan. WHERE CAN I LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH? It’s a question often asked by many seeking to acquire or to rediscover their high school French. As unbelievable as it may seem finding opportunities for learning Canada’s second official language as an adult can be a struggle. Depending on where you reside in Saskatchewan there are a few options when it comes to taking classes. Additionally, it is quite easy to meet French speakers and take part in activities or cultural events in French in many parts of Saskatchewan.
This feature was provided by Assemblée Communautaire Fransaskoise for awareness purposes.
BY THE NUMBERS • 54,000 people in Saskatchewan know enough of the French language to hold a conversation in French. • 14,435 people in Saskatchewan have French as their first language • 60 per cent of francophones in Saskatchewan live in a urban setting • 122,620 people in Saskatchewan have French heritage • 32 per cent of members of the Fransaskois community are over 65 years old • 8.7 per cent of the French speakers in Saskatchewan are immigrants • 33 per cent of the French speakers in Saskatchewan were born outside of Saskatchewan. • 15,000 kindergarten to 12 students are in immersion programs • There are 15 Fransaskois schools • The number of people speaking French at home is on the rise
S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 1 6 , 2 0 1 9
S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x
B7
Advertisement
MARCH IS FRANCOPHONE MONTH Technical training, trades and language classes are available at Collège Mathieu, Saskatchewan’s only Frenchlanguage technical school. Currently, College Mathieu has 225 students enrolled in seven programs available through online learning. In person, adult French language courses are also offered in Regina, Saskatoon and Gravelbourg. Collège Mathieu also offers French for Kids which allows children and teens to progress from beginner to advance in French skills. La Cité universitaire francophone offers classes, certificates and degrees in French at the University of Regina to more than 300 students. You don’t have to be a university student to study in French – adults can take non-credit French classes in the evenings and weekends. Check out the Summer Immersion program running July 8 to 12 and July 15 to 19. You can study more than just the language – take university courses in French in science, math, cinema, and more. There are resources such as French movies, magazines, and books available to borrow at no charge. French tutoring is available to elementary, high school, and university students as well as adults to sharpen their skills.
The Fransaskois flag turns 40! This year marks the 40 anniversary of the Fransaskois Flag. On the year of Saskatchewan’s centennial (2005), the Fransaskois flag was recognized as a provincial symbol, acknowledging the heritage of Saskatchewan’s Francophone community. In early 1979, the Association jeunesse fransaskoise, the provincial francophone youth association launched a challenge to the community to create a flag that would reflect the reality and history of the province’s Francophones. The criteria were that the flag be distinctive, easily recognizable, artistic and simple. The flag must unify
the Fransaskois people and appeal to patriotic sentiments. The symbols used needed to be historical and Saskatchewan based. The Fransaskois flag became the first francophone flag in western Canada. The flags golden background represents the wheat fields. The green represents the boreal forests of the north. The cross references the role of the clergy in the early development of the province. The fleur-de-lis represents the French heritage. The graphics of this particular fleur-de-lis are directly inspired by the design found on the Metis provisional government flag.
The Fransaskois flag became the first francophone flag in western Canada. Conseil des écoles fransaskoises
A first-language school today, a bilingual Francophone for life! • A dynamic francophone education • 15 schools across Saskatchewan • A Better rate of bilingualism • Better graduation rate • Better university preparation • Positive identity building • A rich and diverse cultural environment
Call us to find out if your kids qualify!
(306) 229-4226
www.ecolefrancophone.com
Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan
Celebrating 40 years of promoting and creating opportunities for students to learn and use French.