Jasper’s Francophone community couldn’t have asked for better weather for a flag raising ceremony, March 4. As gusting winds blew through town, the Franco-Albertan flag flapped its way up the pole outside École Desrochers, marking the beginning of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, a national celebration of French culture and heritage.
The flag was created by Jean-Pierre Grenier as a symbol to unite the Francophone population of Alberta. Since 2009 it has been raised on the same day in 25 French communities in the province, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration of language and culture.
Students, teachers and community members gathered outside the school for the flag raising, along with dignitaries from the park, municipality and all three Jasper schools.
Mark Crozier, principal of Jasper Junior/Senior High School, commended Jasper’s students for their dedication to the French language and culture, and admitted that knowledge is something he lacks himself.
“So far during this presentation, I haven’t understood half of it,” he said. “I want to tell you that that’s a sad thing for me. I didn’t have the opportunity when I was young that you all have here.
“I have two boys myself that are here in the audience and they can speak French and they do understand it. At the end of the day, education is about opportunities and all of you have extra opportunities in life because you can speak two languages.”
In her address, Lucie Beauchamp, vice-president of École Desrochers’ school council, thanked non-Francophone parents, who—by enrolling their kids in École Desrochers or French immersion programs—help grow the French language.
“Thanks to you,” she said. “That’s how you live your Francophonie.”
She also thanked Jasper’s teachers, decision makers and immigrant community.
The theme of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie for 2016 is diversity, duality and dynamism.
Mayor Richard Ireland addressed all three Ds, pointing to Jasper’s diversity, which is visible in the names of many of the park’s mountains, including Roche Bonhomme and Roche Miette, and to the community’s duality which is not just welcomed, but required, as Jasper is located in a national park.
“Culturally,” he continued, “our local Francophone community has also been decidedly dynamic, contributing to the strength and the vitality of the fabric of the community.”
To learn more about Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie and the events taking place in Jasper, visit www.acfa.ab.ca/jasper. The next event is a screening of the French film La guerre des tuques at the Chaba Theatre on March 12, followed by the Cabane a Sucre—Sugar Shack—at the Jasper Legion, complete with a traditional dinner from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a musical performance.
Tickets are available by contacting [email protected] or 780-852-7476.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
