Mayor David Gillan and students from École Père Mercure school at today's celebration. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Celebrating culture

Celebrating Francophonie Week in the Battlefords

Mar 18, 2024 | 2:01 PM

There was plenty of music and spirit outside City Hall in North Battleford today as the city celebrated Francophonie Week.

Students from École Père Mercure (EPM) sang O Canada in French, and helped in the flag-raising ceremony to take part in the festivities.

EPM Principal Colette Lavallée said it’s always important to celebrate Francophonie Week in the Battlefords and beyond.

“We are raising flags all over the world for Francophonie Week. We are celebrating each in our way locally, but also internationally we are all partaking in the celebrations,” she said.

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The week is also an important time for the school, for “cultivating our pride,” identity, language and culture, and to know that there is something “bigger than ourselves,” Lavallée said, adding it’s a great time for everyone to participate in something that is “vibrant” and “alive.”

Due to the potential for further Saskatchewan teachers’ sanctions through the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) job actions at this time, the school is putting off plans for Francophonie Week activities.

“We wanted to have a huge culinary fair, where all our parents would be bringing something that represents their language and culture to our school,” Lavallée said. “Unfortunately, that will be postponed because of sanctions.”

The event may possibly take place next month instead, if the sanctions are ended.

“We’re hoping to do it in April, because it’s such an appreciated activity,” Lavallée said. “Francophonie is not just one culture, it’s many cultures coming together, and celebrating the fact that we can speak French.”

Mayor David Gillan, right, with EPM Principal Colette Lavallée, left, and EPM students, after the flag raising. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan said it’s always fun to celebrate French culture and Francophonie Week in North Battleford.

“I really enjoy coming out to this every year,” he said. “Luckily today we had a sunny day. It’s great for all the smiling kids here.”

The mayor noted it’s also a good time for everyone to celebrate their culture, whatever it is.

“We celebrate all our different cultures in our community,” Gillan said. “We respect each others culture. That is the little message I always bring. This particular day is about celebrating our diversity and being an inclusive community.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @battlefordsnow