Franco-Ontarian Day was celebrated by hundreds of energetic and boisterous students outside North Bay City Hall Wednesday morning.
Youngsters from 11 schools, representing two French language school boards, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario and the Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord proudly sang, danced and waved their Franco-Ontarian flags.
Two students were joined by Mayor Al McDonald as they raised the Franco-Ontario flag to fly over city hall.
Eric Foisy superintendent of education for Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord spoke to the crowd telling them all to be proud of who they are.
“There is a little part in their hearts that is green, that is Franco-Ontarian. And to be proud of that part of their heart and to show it to their community, and to celebrate that because that is what today is all about,” said Foisy.
“It is about celebrating the past, celebrating today, but celebrating also the great future that is ahead of us.”
Grade 11 student Amelie Daigle reminded everyone that they are part of a big community.
“This day defines who I am. It is that big. It makes me proud. It makes me happy that everyone here cares about the Francophone community, that they are proud to be Franco-Ontarians.”
Lou Gagne, representing Les Compagnons de francs loisirs stressed the importance of this celebration.
“Today is the most important day that we have in the calendar year. It celebrates the birth of the Francophone flag, and it celebrates our identity,” said Gagne.
“The amount of people here is amazing. When we can get the kids involved, and get the schools involved, this is what the turnout is. We can see that the kids are entrenched in this celebration as well.”
Gagne says it truly is a celebration of culture.
“The committee is made up of representatives from the two school boards, Caisse Alliance, Les Compagnons, and College Boreal. Having five entities that work together for one common goal is incredible.”
