No matter where you’re from, you’re contributing to a vibrant culture of Francophonie in Ontario.
Thousands of you choose to study, learn, work or conduct research in French at the University of Ottawa. No matter where you’re from, you’re contributing to a vibrant culture of Francophonie in Ontario.
To celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day, we asked our community: What does being Franco-Ontarian mean to you?
“For me, being Franco-Ontarian means being able to express myself in the language of Moliere and to be part of a culture, an identity – I would even say a resistance movement, because francophones in Canada fight for the survival of their language and their achievements.”
Lise-Pascale Inamuco Kagabo, alumna
“My culture, my language, my heritage.”
Leah Gosselin, PhD candidate @itsleahgee
“Being Franco-Ontarian means being both heir and trustee of a cultural heritage that is unique in the world. We inherited it from our brave ancestors who resisted historical attempts to forever silence French in Ontario. So, it is now up to us to ensure that our beautiful language with its thousand accents continues to colour the landscape of this province, this country and this planet for our children and future generations.”
François Larocque, Canadian Francophonie Research Chair in Language Rights and professor
“Standing proud.”
Carolane Fortin, student @caro_fortin_
“It means having a conversation with some professors dans les deux langues officielles... a pretty cool academic experience.”
Éric Goneau, JD/MBA candidate
“To be Franco-Ontarian is to stand out. Both in language and accent. You feel unique. We are distinct from the English-speaking majority because of our language, but we do not speak it like Quebeckers either. It is not always easy to preserve a language when it is immersed in another. But with perseverance and love, we manage to maintain it and even refine it. That's why I'm so proud of being a Franco-Ontarian.”
Mireille Cardinal, student
“Incredible pride in my culture.”
Sarah Parker, student @sarahgm_parker
“Being Franco-Ontarian means taking action on a daily basis, sometimes discreetly, sometimes resoundingly, to support the development and sustainability of your community. In my case, this manifests itself in particular through the co-construction and mobilization of knowledge to ensure that my research has social relevance to those who are working to make French a legitimate language in the public sphere and in government institutions.”
Martin Normand, Postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Sciences
“To be respectful of the cultures that helped make Canada what it is today.”
Jeff Chan, student @mt_jeff28
“Being proud of my language!”
Gabrielle, student @the.smolbean
“It's having the trillium flower and the fleur-de-lis tattooed on your heart. It means embracing accents, wearing green and white proudly, and choosing to live in French.”
Julie Gareau, Communications and Special Project Officer
“Having a university that respects the francophone community, with francophone professors.”
Caël Lalonde, student @caellalonde
“Feeling fortunate to be part of a unique and supportive community in Ontario, while enjoying the privilege of being able to communicate with other Francophones around the world!”
Dani Ablack, student
“Speaking the language with which I am more familiar.”
Martine Payne, student @martine-payne
“It’s being part of a strong, united community that knows how to shine in Ontario and Canada. I am so proud to share its unique heritage!”
Justin Thibault, Manager of marketing and communications in the Faculty of Health Sciences
“I can express myself in both official languages.”
Kari Peltonen, student @karipeltonen
“Being Franco-Ontarian is a source of pride for me because it means belonging to a resilient and welcoming community. Over the years, Franco-Ontarians have survived measures to weaken their community if not to eradicate it, as in the days of Regulation 17. However, far from falling back on itself, the Franco-Ontarian community has opened up to Francophone newcomers, as evidenced by the inclusive definition. For me, being a Franco-Ontarian is living in French on the territory of Ontario and thriving French culture in this province.”
Lucie Hotte, Francophone Cultures and Literatures in Canada Research Chair and professor
“Family ♥”
Lara Knapp, student @angietheguitar
“It means being part of a community who share a common language.”
Camryn Viau, student @camrynviau