The Francophone heritage in Alberta dates
back to the earliest days of the fur trade when the Montreal
peddlers came to the Northwest region in search of adventure and
business opportunities. The voyageurs married Cree women and the
first Francophone communities—Métis communities—were
established. Missionary orders came and were followed by
settlers. In this process, which spanned over 200 years,
significant contributions were made to the settlement of the
West and the founding of Alberta.
Francophone Alberta is important
historically, politically, economically, culturally and
socially. The community is an official language community and
the documentation of this rich heritage, and the creation of
materials to reinforce community identity and pride, are of
enormous importance. The Alberta's Francophone Heritage
Website tells these individual and community stories from
the era of the fur trade to contemporary Francophone communities
confidently embracing the future.
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Background—This section tells the
story of the fur trade, missions and early settlement when
what was to become Alberta had an important role on the
international stage because of its rich resources, first and
foremost, furs.
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The People and their Communities—This
section tells the story of the Francophone presence in Alberta
as is evident in places such as Lacombe, Brosseau, Bonnyville,
Girouxville, Lamoureux— all named for adventurous individuals
who helped settle the West. Discover the stories of these
founding families.
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Culture and Lifeways—This section
explores those aspects of the life of Francophone
communities that have enriched Alberta from religion to the
arts, and will reflect their cultural experience and
perspective on the world and cosmos. It will be seen that
language and culture are alive and well.
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