Released on September 24, 2011
Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw, on behalf of Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer presented the community of Zenon Park with the Fransaskois Flag in recognition of their contributions to French language and culture in Saskatchewan.
"It is my pleasure to present the community of Zenon Park with the Fransaskois Flag," Bradshaw said. "Which serves as a symbol and reminder of the historical and social importance this community has played in strengthening francophone culture in our province. May this flag proudly fly above the community of Zenon Park for generations to come."
Over a century ago francophone settlers from Quebec and the northeast United States arrived to the area of Zenon Park, located roughly 200 kilometres east of Prince Albert to farm. Today agriculture remains at the centre of the local economy. Zenon Park remains a predominantly French-speaking community and many Fransaskois artists and community leaders hail from this area.
The Fransaskois Flag was adopted as a provincial emblem in 2005 to recognize the status of French as one of Canada's official languages and acknowledge the heritage of Saskatchewan's francophones and their significant contributions to the province.
A plaque was also presented to the community to commemorate the event. The flag and a commemorative plaque will be presented to a number of communities in the coming years as part of a provincial-wide recognition initiative.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-8630