Monday, September 17, 2012

Celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons



Media Release – for immediate Release

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Historical Interpreters Gennesse Walker-Scace (left) and Bailee Malivoire (right) get in a little practice with traditional "Bonhomme" french dancing puppets, in preparation for Sainte-Marie's Franco-Ontarian Day highlight on Tuesday, September 25.  The event, which celebrates Francophone culture in Ontario, features live music, special Francophone presentations, storytelling, and more, and is included with regular site admission.
 On Tuesday, September 25, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day with special presentations, musical performances, and on-site activities.

Franco-Ontarian Day officially recognizes the contribution of Ontario's Francophone community to the cultural, historical, social, economic and political life of the province.  There are close to 600,000 Francophones in Ontario, representing the largest Francophone community outside of Quebec. 

Special features at Sainte-Marie on September 25 will include the dynamic Hélène-Nicole Richard doing her “Gotta Love that French” presentation for both school groups and the public.  Hélène-Nicole Richard is an amazing performer who presented to 125 schools in 2011-12.  This highly interactive, bilingual show promotes the value of knowing and developing French language skills and Francophone culture and the value of speaking Canada’s official languages.    Presentations will be at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  

Throughout the day visitors will also be treated to ongoing musical performances by Nicole Lefaive, a talented local performer and busker who excels with traditional fiddle music.  Nicole will also bring to life the colourful “Bonhomme” figurines - traditional French wooden puppets that will “dance” to the lively tunes.

In Sainte-Marie’s atmospheric longhouse, costumed staff will present “Le Loup de Lafontaine”: a true Franco-Ontarian local tale originally recorded by Father Thomas Marchildon in the early 20th century and now adapted to an interactive puppet presentation.  

Interactive presentations in historic buildings focusing on elements of traditional Franco-Ontarian culture will also be featured, plus a special film documentary entitled “’Pis nous autres dans tout ça? (Where are we in all this?), and more. 

Franco-Ontarian Day will be celebrated at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons on Tuesday, September 25 and is included with regular site admission.  For further information call 705 526-7838 or visit www.hhp.on.ca
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Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks, and is a division of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.

Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
705 528-7692

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