March 2009
Did you know…
There have been Francophones in British Columbia since 1793, when French-Canadian voyageurs accompanied Alexander Mackenzie to the Pacific.
Birthday of the Franco‑Columbian flag
March 29 is the anniversary of the Franco‑Columbian flag. The flag combines the dogwood, symbol of British Columbia, with the fleur de lys, emblem of the Francophonie.
Services in French in British Columbia
Are you planning a trip to British Columbia to join in the festivities? Consult the French services directory (in French only) or the list of tourism businesses (in French only) to find out where you can receive service in French during your visit.
Many reasons to celebrate the Francophonie in Maillardville
There is a very unique community in Coquitlam, British Columbia, which in the early 1900s was built around the lumber industry on the shores of the Fraser River. What is special about this village is its deeply rooted history, culture and language. The community is Maillardville, and 2009 marks its 100th anniversary. It is reputed to be the oldest Francophone community west of the Rockies.
Each year, the small Francophone community holds a festival, the Festival du Bois, which sends visitors back in time to celebrate the early settlers—those who were recruited from lumbering villages in Quebec to help meet a labour shortage in the growing lumber industry. The French-speaking lumbermen, known for their skills, not only had the pioneer spirit to travel west to work, but also quickly settled and built a village.
The Festival du Bois, which is being held March 7-8, is part of a series of activities taking place to celebrate Maillardville’s 100th anniversary. The festival includes Canadian folk music, dance, crafts and food—all with a French flare!
Coquitlam, which is a suburb of Vancouver, is especially excited about what is in store for the festival in 2010. The Francophone community will host the Village international de la Francophonie 2010 from February 12 to 28, during next year’s Festival du Bois and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Village will be a gathering place in the Greater Vancouver area where all Francophones and francophiles can celebrate Canada’s linguistic duality.
Considered one of the most diverse cultural programs ever featured in British Columbia, the Village will honour Francophone talent from all corners of the globe. Those who are visiting Canada, along with the many Canadian visitors to the Games, will have the opportunity to discover the history and diversity of French-Canadian culture.
