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.

• 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.
   

• 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.
   

• 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.