Nunavummiut invited to celebrate French language and culture
News Release
For Immediate Release
Nunavummiut invited to celebrate French language and culture
IQALUIT, Nunavut (March 7, 2014) – Today marks the launch of the 16th edition of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, a 17-day celebration of French language and culture across Canada. This year’s theme is La joie de vivre d’hier à demain, which emphasizes the vibrancy, resilience and enthusiasm of Canada’s francophone communities.
"The Department of Culture and Heritage is a proud partner of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie’s 2014 programming and supports the vitality of Nunavut’s French language," said Paul Okalik, Minister of Languages. "I encourage and invite all francophone and francophiles to proudly celebrate French language and culture over the next 17 days."
The Government of Nunavut supports developments in Nunavut’s francophone community through a number of initiatives, namely:
$285,000 in funding for 11 French language community-based initiatives in 2013-2014;
a new partnership with Carrefour Nunavut to provide better employability services in French; and,
the 5544 French Services telephone line, a referral service that provides general information in French to the public about government programs and services.
In Iqaluit, from March 7 to 23, l’Association des francophones du Nunavut is hosting several cultural and community events. For more information on Iqaluit events, email the association at @email.
About 1,200 Nunavummiut speak French either as their mother tongue or as a second language. The majority of French-speaking Nunavummiut reside in Iqaluit, where 13 per cent of the population can converse in French.
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Media Contact:
Leevede Atagoyuk
Manager of Communications
Department of Culture and Heritage
(867) 975-5526