National Francophone Immigration Week Kicks Off November
October 30, 2020Cornwall Ontario – National Francophone Immigration Week is set to run from November 1 through the 7.
National Francophone Immigration Week is an opportunity to bring together Francophones from diverse backgrounds, celebrate the pride of flourishing in inclusive Francophone communities and of being involved in the construction of an identity rich in its diversity.
“As a proud bilingual community, Cornwall is pleased to support several virtual events scheduled during National Francophone Immigration Week,” says Mme. Bernadette Clement, Mayor for the City of Cornwall. “We look forward to hearing the exchange of ideas and working in partnership to welcome new francophone immigrants to our city in the near future.”
This 8th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week is an opportunity to open a dialogue on the reality of systemic racism, which many immigrants suffer and to learn about other cultures. The theme for this year’s event is Ma couleur francophone.
Events
Many activities are planned in communities across Canada – including Cornwall. These events will bring together Francophones, whatever their origins, and promote exchanges.
- November 2 – Maimouna Coulibaly
- November 3 – Mayor Bernadette Clement
- November 4-5 – Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi
- November 6 – Body NGoy
Are you a Francophone or a Francophile? You’re invited, along with your friends and family, to participate in the many activities taking place during the week.
Francophones and Immigration in Cornwall
The French culture is woven throughout the fabric of the community in Cornwall, as Francophones continue to play an important role in the city’s growth. Approximately 24% of the population identify French as their first language and most residents are either bilingual or have a good knowledge of French. Cornwall Francophones are well supported by a number of community organizations including the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario – SDG.
Cornwall is a participating community is the Regional Immigration Pilot of the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program.
About National Francophone Immigration Week
National Francophone Immigration Week is coordinated by the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities of Canada, FCFA) and the country’s Réseaux en immigration francophone (Francophone Immigration Networks, RIFs). Every year, during the first week of November, some one hundred local, provincial and national activities take place all across the country. They include school celebrations, workshops and training sessions dealing with immigration, and cultural evenings.