Societé St. Jean Baptiste Alliance nationale and Artisans canadiens-français Societé du parler français Societé francophone de communication de l'Alberta (SFCA) Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta Youth

In 1911, a branch of the Société du parler français was established in Alberta. Founded in Quebec, from its inception the organization was aimed at promoting the French language and the interests of those who spoke it.¹ The first pan-Canadian organization of its sort, the Société held a national congress in Quebec City in June of 1912, a move that sparked the imagination of French-speaking citizens in Alberta.

The provincial branch of the Société decided to organize an annual congress to be held in Alberta, an idea that was met with rousing success. The guest of honour in 1913 was none other than statesman and newspaper editor, Henri Bourassa.

There is no doubt that the Société would have enjoyed further success if not for the outbreak of the First World War. Nevertheless the ladies at St. Joachim parish founded a French language society, and opened an office in the northern part of the province to promote the settlement of French-speakers in rural Alberta.