Highlighting Fransaskois Heritage on Stage

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Sept. 10, 2014) - The Government of Canada is providing $84,800 in funding over three years to the Fédération des aînés fransaskois for its project Histoires fransaskoises sur scène. The project involves compiling stories of yesteryear about Francophones on the Canadian Prairies, drafting a script, and sharing the stories through theatre presentations.

Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program.

Quick Facts

• In the first phase of the project, the Fédération will visit the communities of Saskatoon, Bellevue, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Debden, St. Louis and Zenon Park to collect anecdotes and stories from around 150 Fransaskois seniors.
• The second phase will involve drafting a text and refining it with the support of the Cercle des écrivains de Saskatoon. The text will also be presented to seniors for their feedback.
• In the third phase, production teams will be selected in the participating communities and will be given training on various aspects of theatrical production, including acting, directing, set design and lighting.
• The project will culminate with performances of the play being in the participating communities.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to supporting organizations that showcase the cultural and heritage contributions of Francophone communities. Their efforts help enhance the vitality of their communities, foster the development of Canada's minority Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Thanks to the work of the Fédération des aînés fransaskois, Saskatchewanians will have the opportunity to discover the unique heritage of the Fransaskois through theatre presentations rich in historical colour. We are proud to support this initiative that will celebrate the richness of Fransaskois culture in the towns and villages of northern Saskatchewan."

-Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin)

"This project will allow us to collect the stories of our best senior storytellers and immortalize them in a theatrical presentation that will reflect a part of our Fransaskois heritage."

-Annette Labelle, President, Fédération des aînés fransaskois

Associated Links

Development of Official-Language Communities Program
Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr.