Released on March 12, 2007
Saskatchewan people will celebrate the richness of the province’s Francophone culture and French language during the 9th annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, which officially opened today and continues through March 25.
“Saskatchewan’s 20,000 Francophones make tremendous contributions to the cultural and social fabric of our great province,” Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. “By recognizing the importance of Saskatchewan Francophones to our culture, economy, society and communities, we encourage all Saskatchewan people to embrace cultural diversity and take pride in their own and one another’s heritage. I’m especially proud of the leadership role our Francophone community organizations have taken provincially and nationally with respect to cultural diversity.”
Rendez-vous celebrations are held annually in March throughout Canada to promote French language and Francophone culture from coast to coast. The focal point of the two-week celebration takes place on March 20 with the International Day of La Francophonie.
“This year’s Rendez-vous celebrations in Saskatchewan will also be an occasion to recognize the historic and ongoing collaboration between our Francophone and Métis communities,” Van Mulligen added. “The special relationship and shared history of these two groups is an essential component of Saskatchewan’s history and collective identity.”
To find out more about this year’s Rendez-vous celebrations in Saskatchewan and across Canada, visit www.rendezvousfrancophonie.com.
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For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7151
Email: bmiller@gr.gov.sk.ca