Two Blind River schools are preparing for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag on September 25th.
Last week, École Saint-Joseph and École secondaire catholique Jeunesse-Nord in Blind River each welcomed the identity-building team from Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon as part of the Tour Proud Franco-Ontarians at CSC Nouvelon. (“Franco Fiers au CSC Nouvelon”)
With Rodney Meilleur, identity-building facilitator, and Julie Lancup, teaching consultant, students from both schools celebrated Francophone culture through games, songs, and dances highlighting Franco-Ontarian roots and traditions.
Ontario Provincial Police Constables also arrived in a Franco-Ontarian-themed cruiser officially launching the festivities for the upcoming celebration late next week.
The celebration also featured the debut of a new original song, Franco-O, written by Rodney Meilleur, and a festive trailer decorated with a large photo of the original Franco-Ontarian flag—designed in Sudbury in 1975—creating a powerful tribute to the community’s heritage.
Following a successful week of visits to Chapleau, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Shore communities—including Blind River, Spanish, and Elliot Lake—the tour now heads to Greater Sudbury, where it will continue until September 24th.
