News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The 30th Provincial French Pride Week was officially launched today at École l’Odyssée in Moncton. This year, the theme for the week, which runs from May 18 to 22, is Les fenêtres de l’Acadie s’ouvrent sur la francophonie! (Acadia serves as a window to the Francophonie).

Students presented a show focusing on the French language and New Brunswick’s Acadian and francophone culture.

“I applaud all francophones and francophiles who, in their own way, make the French language so alive in New Brunswick, and I invite all students and New Brunswickers to join me in celebrating the cultural and artistic richness of the French language, which embraces La Francophonie and promotes the vitality of Acadia within Canada and around the world,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy.

The artwork and promotional poster for the week were produced by Grade 6 students at École Camille-Vautour in Saint-Antoine de Kent, in co-operation with painter Nicole Haché. École Anna-Malenfant in Dieppe came up with the slogan.

“I congratulate the students who lent their talent and creativity to an initiative that brings people together in the way that Provincial French Pride Week does,” Cardy said. “I also thank the teaching staff for giving these students such good advice for this enriching activity that enables them to express their pride in their language and culture.”

The artwork was designed using a collage technique that combined old magazines and recycled materials.

Using a wooden window, the students made individual and group collages that are displayed when the window is opened. The goal was to make people think about the development of Acadia within La Francophonie and to emphasize the open-mindedness of Acadians.

During the week, students from the province’s 89 francophone schools will celebrate their pride in the French language, as well as their commitment to their culture.

Activities being organized in the classroom will include rallies, dictation competitions, treasure hunts, spelling bees and activities related to a special booklet prepared by the newspaper Acadie Nouvelle.

For the third consecutive year, the New Brunswick Public Library Service is partnering with the Village historique acadien to offer library cardholders the opportunity to visit the tourism attraction. During Provincial French Pride Week, the public may visit any of the 64 public libraries in the province and present their library card to sign out one free admission pass per cardholder.

École communautaire Ernest-Lang in Saint-François de Madawaska will host the opening ceremony of the week in 2020.

The week is organized in close co-operation with various civic, community, school and media partners and the provincial government.