Celebrating National Francophone Immigration Week from November 3 to 9, 2013

SUMMERSIDE (PEI) – October 30, 2013 – La Coopérative d’intégration francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (CIF) is proud to announce its participation in the very first National Francophone Immigration Week this November 3 to 9, themed L’immigration francophone, une diversité qui nous unit (Francophone immigration, diversity that brings us together).

An initiative of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), this week-long celebration aims to promote Francophone immigration and diversity in Canada’s Francophone and Acadian communities. The initiative was launched last year in Atlantic Canada with Francophone Immigration Week in the Atlantic Region. The event was such a resounding success that it will be celebrated from coast to coast for the first time in 2013.

This year, thanks to an initiative of the Société Nationale de l’Acadie (SNA), each Atlantic province nominated a Champion of Francophone Immigration for the duration of the National Francophone Immigration Week. On Prince Edward Island, the Champion was selected via a province-wide contest organized by the CIF. The CIF is pleased to announce that Gregory Urier, originally from France and living in Prince Edward Island since May 2012, will be the Champion of Immigration for the 2013 edition. He is currently the Assistant Director and Community and Cultural Development Officer at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean in Charlottetown.

The CIF and its partners are organizing several free activities throughout the province during National Francophone Immigration Week.

Tuesday, November 5

Luncheon meeting to discuss the importance of new Francophone talent in Prince Edward Island: At noon at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean in Charlottetown. This luncheon, featuring guest speaker Dottie Daly, is an initiative of RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard’s LIENS project, held in collaboration with the CIF. Those interested must register by noontime Nov. 4 by calling 902-370-7333, ext. 404, or emailing catherine@rdeeipe.org.

Activity to raise the awareness of federal public servants in the Atlantic region: This activity, an initiative of the SNA and the Commissioner of Official Languages, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. by video conference. Six panelists will participate in a virtual round table, presenting their perspectives on Francophone immigration. Jacinthe Lemire, Provincial Coordinator for the CIF, is one of the panelists and will be speaking about the challenges of offering newcomer welcoming and settlement services in a rural environment.

Wednesday, November 6

Selecting the winner of the Je m’exprime sur la diversité qui nous unit (my impressions on the diversity that unites us) contest: All students from grades 7 to 12 in the province’s Francophone schools and immersion classes are invited to participate in this contest. There are several prizes to be won, including publication of the winners’ text in the November 20 issue of La Voix acadienne. This activity is an initiative of the CIF, in collaboration with the Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Thursday, November 7

Unveiling of a mural at the École-sur-Mer: A joint project by the CIF and École-sur-Mer in Summerside, this mural was developed with the students’ active participation, to encourage them to interact and to reflect on the different aspects of cultural diversity, the challenges of integrating newcomers and raising awareness about the importance of Francophone immigration. The unveiling will take place at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

Luncheon meeting to discuss the importance of new Francophone talent in Prince Edward Island: At noon in RDÉE Î.-P.-É.’s conference room in Wellington. This luncheon, featuring guest speaker Dottie Daly, is an initiative of RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard’s LIENS project, held in collaboration with the CIF. Those interested must register by noontime on Nov. 6 by calling 902-370-7333, ext. 404, or emailing catherine@rdeeipe.org.

Friday, November 8

5 to 8 multicultural cocktail hour: All of the province’s Francophones and Francophiles are invited to attend this closing activity organized by the CIF, the LIENS project, Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean and the Fédération culturelle de l’Î.-P.-É. Several countries will be represented at this event, including the Congo, Venezuela and Korea. Expect world music and a chance to taste a variety of traditional dishes. This lovely evening will provide the Island’s Francophone population and newcomers with an opportunity to meet and mingle. There will also be an artistic performance on cultural diversity by Faysal Boukari, aka Le Karibou. In addition, our Immigration Champion will give a presentation on his experience settling in Prince Edward Island and will be available to answer questions.

For more information on the events planned during the National Francophone Immigration Week in Prince Edward Island, visit the CIF’s website at www.tonile.ca. For more information on the national events, visit www.immigrationfrancophone.ca.

The CIF is an organization that welcomes and helps French-speaking newcomers settle on Prince Edward Island, by facilitating their social, economic, educational and cultural integration. It also raises the awareness of the welcoming population regarding cultural diversity, the benefits of immigration and the importance of Francophone immigration. The CIF is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Prince Edward Island Office of Immigration, Settlement and Population.

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For more information:
Jacinthe Lemire, Provincial Coordinator
Email: cp@cifipe.ca; Tel.: 902-888-1687