Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie 2009

Beneath the Jasper train station there is an invaluable and important resource for the French-Canadian community in Jasper.

There lies the Jasper locale of the Alberta French Canadian Association (AFCA) which supplies French literature, movies, resources and assistance to those who need services such as translating.

The French Canadian Association has been residing in the depths of the train station for the last three years in an agreement that has the association exchange French lessons with Parks Canada employees for the space.

With the price of rental space in Jasper it’s no wonder the non-profit organization is unable to find a suitable and visible home.

Marie-France Miron, association president, said that while they are “really grateful” for the space and Parks Canada’s willingness to come to the agreement, the organization needs a more “visible” part of town to reside.

While many locals may be familiar with the location, it’s the new Francophones that often need the assistance and may struggle to find the association said Miron.

“We would like to increase visibility because lots of people know that we are in town but maybe not exactly where we are. For the new people that come [to] Jasper it’s hard for people to know we are there,” she said.

Miron attended last week’s Jasper Community Sustainability Plan workshops to ensure this topic of discussion was raised suggesting that one aim for the town should be to provide such a space for non-profit organizations.

“For a non-profit organization, money is an issue, because right now we have enough money to pay our [one] employee contract worker,” said Miron.

Miron hopes that with the expansion of the library the Municipality may consider allowing some space for the AFCA, which essentially offers a French library service. 

Until then, the Jasper AFCA will continue to put on events and supply an abundance of critical resources to the community, including the 2009 Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie which commences next Thursday Mar. 5 with the showing of Un été sans point ni coup at Chaba Theatre in conjunction with the Jasper Film club. Also, there will be English subtitles, and the raising of the official Alberta francophone flag at the Royal Canadian Legion on Mar. 6.

For the French Canadian food lovers there will be a Cabane à sucre on Mar. 7 at Pyramids stables with traditional French music around the fire and a French community dinner on Mar. 15 as part of the celebrations.