The month of March holds special significance for Canadians across the country as we celebrate Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. This national celebration, which takes place from March 6-22 this year, is part of the events culminating in the worldwide celebration of Journée internationale de la Francophonie on March 20, 2015, organized every year in more than 50 countries to promote the French language and its numerous cultural expressions.
The French language and culture has had a long history in Jasper National Park, dating back to well before the park was even established. During the fur trade era, the French-Canadian Voyageurs pushed further west to locate fur that was much sought after in Europe. In their travels they established strong ties with this land, and many of Jasper National Park’s natural features bear this great legacy even today, including Maligne River, Roche Bonhomme, Lac Beauvert and La Montagne de la Grande Traverse (Mount Edith Cavell).
Recognizing the historical contribution of both the French and the English in the creation of Canada, the Government of Canada adopted both as official languages in its Constitution of 1867. In 1968, to strengthen the status of French and English in Canadian society, it passed the Official Languages Act.
Parks Canada, as a federal government agency, is committed to providing services to members of the public in the official language of their choice. In Jasper National Park and all other national protected treasures across the country, Parks Canada staff offer bilingual services orally with the greeting, “Hello/Bonjour,” to let our visitors know that they are welcome to communicate with us in the official language of their choice.
At Parks Canada, we respect and promote the importance of linguistic duality in our country. In the spirit of this year’s theme “Joie de vivre brings us together!” we invite the community of Jasper to participate in the variety of cultural, artistic, educational and sports activities organized locally during Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. For more information, visit www.acfa.ab.ca/jasper.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
