OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 9, 2015) - Canadians will have the opportunity to learn about Samuel de Champlain's role as one of Canada's founders and his contribution to Canada's history. The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages today announced a contribution of $407,400 for the project "Rêve de Champlain."
The Office des télécommunications éducatives de langue française de l'Ontario (Groupe Média TFO) is launching a bilingual awareness program to promote public and media interest in "Rêve de Champlain," a multi-platform experience that includes a six-episode docudrama and interactive online content.
Quick Facts
- The French presence in Ontario dates back officially to August 1, 1615, when French explorer Samuel de Champlain began an exploration of the Ottawa River and met the Huron-Wendaat chief in Toanché (now Penetanguishene).
- The year 2015 marks the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's visit to Huronia.
- Through the Commemorate Canada Program, the Government of Canada is providing $227,400 in the 2014-2015 fiscal year and $180,000 in the 2015-2016 fiscal year for this project, for a total of $407,400.
- The funding will be used to develop learning materials, including 30,000 kits for teachers and students; public outreach activities; and translation of the docudrama and website.
- The bilingual website is being launched today (March 9, 2015), and the docudrama will air on TFO from March 16 to April 20, 2015.
Quotes
"This project will instill a sense of pride by encouraging Canadians to take an interest in Champlain's story and to recognize this great explorer's contribution to the establishment of the first colonies in Canada. The Government of Canada invites all Canadians, especially youth, to make the most of the years leading up to the celebrations in 2017 to learn more about Canada's history and celebrate everything that has helped make Canada the strong, proud and free country it is today."
-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
"Groupe Média TFO is very proud to help celebrate 400 years of French presence in Ontario, and even more pleased about the Government of Canada's commitment to this major project that will not only raise the profile of the French language and culture in Canada, but also encourage Canadians to discover the story of Samuel de Champlain-a man whose humanist values influenced our country's civic values."
-Glenn O'Farrell, President and CEO, Groupe Média TFO
Associated Links
400th anniversary of French presence in Ontario
Réseau du patrimoine franco-ontarien
Dictionary of Canadian Biography
Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française (U of O)
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Contact Information:
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca