PLAMONDON – Alberta Francophonie Month events in the Lac La Biche region got underway on March 3 with the raising of the Franco-Albertan flag outside the Phillip Menard Cultural Centre in Plamondon.
Since March 1, 2018, the Alberta government has declared that every year, March would be designated to recognizing and celebrating the French language and francophone culture across the province. The month is now known as “Alberta Francophonie Month.”
Students and staff from École Beauséjour in Plamondon and École Saint-Catherine in Lac La Biche, along with members of the local francophone community, were at the flag-raising ceremony. Several of the students in attendance carried miniature Franco-Albertan flags.
The Franco-Alberta flag was raised as the group sung ‘O Canada’ in French. The event also a included a few speeches, followed by snacks.
In 2017, the Government of Alberta officially recognized the Franco-Albertan flag as the first symbol of distinction under the "Emblems of Alberta Act," paying tribute to the presence of francophone people and their and contribution to the province.
According to Natasha Plamondon, regional director for the French Canadian Association of Alberta (ACFA) Plamondon-Lac La Biche office, the origins of the flag, which is blue and white and includes a wild rose and fleur-de-lis emblem, date back just over four decades.
“This flag, created by Jean-Pierre Grenier, was unveiled at the annual ACFA convention on March 6, 1982,” Plamondon told Lakeland This Week. “It represents much more than just an emblem, it embodies the unity and strength of our community.”
The blue represents the Alberta population, while the white represents the Francophone community. Their blending along the diagonal line serves as a reminder that the Francophonie are an integral part of the Alberta community.
According to Plamondon, the two flowers on the flag, the wild rose and the fleur-de-lis, respectively represent the province of Alberta and the Francophonie who live here.
The diagonal bands that run across the flag also have deep historical significance.
“They symbolize the routes and waterways used by our ancestors to explore and settle the region, while also serving as a reminder of our rights as a founding people of this province,” said Plamondon.
The francophone community in Plamondon will also be the hosting other events throughout March.
The annual The Cabane à Sucre celebration is taking place at the Phillip Menard Cultural Centre March 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. According to Plamondon, this year’s event will include a brunch, outdoor activities, campfire maple taffy on snow, as well as concert featuring the music of Crystal Plamondon and Daniel Gervais.
The Francophone-themed Hockey en Fête tournament, which has been taking place in the community for the past 18 years, is happening over the same weekend as Cabane à Sucre. It goes from March 14-16 at the North Country Coop Arena.
“It is important to recognize the French language and culture to keep it alive,” she said. “Plamondon is a designated bilingual community in Alberta making it even more important to ensure it is preserved in our community.”
