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 Dialogue, 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.