La Société francophone de Victoria

Show Les fils du Facteur
2022-04-05 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad street, Victoria, V8W 2B2, Canada
Swiss duo Sacha Maffli and Émilien Colin’s rise to the top began by playing bars gigs, busking, and performing at family events long before winding up in a recording studio.
Their lyrics aim to tell stories, denounce, be playful, and stay light hearted. An animated pair on stage, “Les Fils du Facteur” offers a spontaneous and fresh sound inspired by traditional French acoustic music with a blend of contemporary pop. As their music reaches audiences in France, Belgium and Canada, Les Fils du Facteur are putting the Swiss at the forefront of the Francophone music scene.
Tickets: 20$ plus taxes and additional fees
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This concert is a collaboration between the Victoria Francophone Society and the Swiss Consulate in Vancouver.

Rendez-Vous Victoria
2022-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
The Victoria Francophone Society (SFV) is pleased to unveil its summer programming with the Rendez-vous Victoria! Once again this year, the French-language festival runs from June to August and offers a wide range of activities for all ages.
From June 21 to August 18, Get your French on! Many activities are planned, including: café causerie: a seniors meet for people 50 years and older, outdoor hikes for nature lovers, ciné Franco: outdoor film projections in Bastion Square, and Le Collectif: activities for teenagers.
For more information on the various events, please have a look at the calendar of events!

Rendez-vous Victoria
2022-06-21 08:00 - 2022-08-18 17:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Du 21 juin au 18 août, Get your French on!
Rendez-vous Victoria c’est la célébration estivale de la culture et de la communauté francophone à Victoria. La SFV met en lumière les acteurs francophones de tous les horizons et vous offre un été en musique et en divertissement pour toute la famille, et ce, en français.
Plusieurs activités sont prévues dont : des rencontres café causeries pour les 50 ans et plus, des randonnées en plein air pour les amoureux de la nature, des cinés francos extérieurs, des activités du Collectif pour les adolescents.
Pour plus de détails sur les diverses activités au programme cet été, consultez la section des activités.

Rendez-vous Victoria - Get your French on!
2022-06-21 08:00 - 2022-08-18 17:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Victoria’s summer celebration of Francophone culture

From June 21st to August 18th, Get your French on! Rendez-vous Victoria is a summer celebration of Francophone culture and community here in Victoria. The SFV showcases Francophone talent from diverse horizons and promises a fun-filled summer of music and entertainment!
A summer rich in culture
The Ciné franco evenings are back, in partnership with Radio Victoria and the Victoria Film Festival with a new program featuring francophone movies from here and abroad. An absolute must for film lovers in the heart of downtown. The projections will take place on June 29, July 13, July 27 and August 10th.
The cozy Plaza Franco, which has been a great success in the last few years, is back this summer. Each week, the Plaza is a terrace that features French-speaking musical artists from Victoria and Vancouver Island accompanied with food and beverages. In addition, the SFV will also welcome musical talents from Quebec, such as the Winston Band and Joyce N’Sana, the duo Postscript from Alberta, and the famous French drag Queen Johnny Poutina. This free event is open to all! Join us every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm starting June 23rd, right behind the SFV offices.
A summer of gatherings
Various recurring activities for all age groups are also on the program, including Café causerie, a social meetup for people over 50, outdoor hikes for French-speakers who like to explore nature, and the Collectif, a meetup for French-speaking teenagers between 14 and 18 years old.

The Plaza Franco
2022-06-23 17:00 - 20:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
MUSIC – FOOD- DRINK
The Plaza Franco is a showcase of French-speaking musical artists from Victoria and Vancouver Island. In addition, the SFV will also host musical performances by Quebec talent. Join us every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. starting June 23, right behind the SFV building.
JUNE 23 – Celebrate Pride 🌈

Show : Drag queens Johnny Poutina and Honey Dewme

Ciné Franco - Portrait of a Lady on Fire
2022-06-29 20:00 - 22:00 | BC
FRENCH MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
The Cinés Franco are back this summer, in partnership with the Victoria Film Festival and Radio Victoria ! Every event presents a different theme and a different movie. The screenings will take place on June 29th, July 13th, July 27th and August 10th at the Plaza. You may bring your own camping chair or use our picnic tables. Drinks and snacks available for purchase!
This week, we suggest you to watch the movie Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (French: Portrait de la jeune fille en feu) is a French historical romantic drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma, starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. Set in France in the late 18th century, the film tells the story of a lesbian affair between an aristocrat and a painter commissioned to paint her portrait. *Original French Version with English Subtitles

TICKETS

5 $ ( member or students) – 10 $ ( non-member)

BUY YOUR TICKET

The Plaza Franco -Joyce N’sana
2022-07-07 17:00 - 20:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
MUSIC – FOOD- DRINK
Each week, the Plaza is a terrace that features French-speaking musical artists from Victoria and Vancouver Island accompanied with food and beverages. In addition, the SFV will also host musical performances by Quebec talent. Join us every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. starting June 23, right behind the SFV building.
Guest artist

Joyce N’sana is the voice of Afrobluehop. Originally known for her Reggae she now presents a music that is a tasty mix of Afro-blues and Hip-hop.

CINE FRANCO - Intouchables
2022-07-13 20:00 - 22:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
The Ciné Franco are back this summer, in partnership with the Victoria Film Festival and Radio Victoria ! Every event presents a different theme and a different movie.
The screenings will take place on June 29th, July 13th, July 27th and August 10th at the Plaza. You may bring your own camping chair or use our picnic tables. Drinks and snacks available for purchase!
This week, we suggest you to watch the movie The Intouchables

The Intouchables is a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama film written and directed by Olivier Nakache & Éric Toledano. It stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. *Original French Version with English Subtitles

TICKETS

Member or students – 5 $

Non-member – 10 $
RESERVE YOUR TICKET

The Plaza Franco ☀️
2022-08-18 17:00 - 20:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
LIVE SHOW

Each week, the Plaza is a terrace that features French-speaking musical artists from Victoria and Vancouver Island accompanied with food and beverages. This free event is open to all! Join us every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm starting June 23rd, right behind the SFV office.

JULY

July 7 : Miguelito Valdes Trio
July 14 : Celtic Fringe + Post Script
July 21: Winston Band
July 28 : Hot Club des Insulaires + Elise Boulanger

AUGUST

August 4 : Matt Stern
August 11 : Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres + Edie Daponte
August 8 : Pablo Cardenas

Fundraising Event
2022-10-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Dr,, Victoria, BC, Canada
✢ La Maison de la francophonie – Victoria’s Francophone Community Centre ✢
Saturday, October 29th, the Victoria Francophone Society is hosting a fundraising event to raise money for La Maison de la francophonie. This is the largest infrastructure project in the Society’s history and the goal is to purchase the building at 1218 Langley street in downtown Victoria.

The fundraising goal is 200,000$ and will go towards a down payment towards the purchase of the building. This event will launch the campaign and help the Society secure its home in Victoria for many years to come. The ticket includes snacks and two drinks.

This event will also be a moment to recognize members of our community for their contributions to the francophonie. The Society will be handing out the Fortin-Terrien Prize, the Henriette-Moreau Prize, the Gérald-Moreau Prize and the Youth Enagement Prize.

This is a unique opportunity to help support the francophone community.The event will also be an opportunity to hear a special announcement from the CFGames regarding a youth event in July 2023.Please join us and reserve your spot before October 25th. Scan the QR code or go to www.sfvictoria.ca

Vincent Vallières Concert
2022-11-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad street, Victoria, V8W 2B2, Canada
Be enthralled by Vincent Vallières who will perform this concert alone, in an intimate setting where you will hear his songs closely. The concert will allow ample room for his words and stories. This is a well-known québécois artist who will perform songs that are lively and authentic.

Following his 7 year career as an artist, Vincent has 7 incredible albums and three Félix (an award ceremony for Québec artists), including singer-songwriter of the year. Vincent Vallières draws from an impressive repertoire and takes you on a journey and he won’t hesitate to make you discover his songs from his newest album from February 2021. This concert is presented in partnership with the Coup de coeur francophone.

Opening Act – Véronique Trudel

Born in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec, Véronique now lives in Nelson, BC since 2018. Véronique is singer-songwriter who’s compositions find influences from folk and traditional music. She continues to evolve as an artist, and she stood out in 2020 and 2021 at Pacifique en Chanson, a showcase for French BC artists.

GENERAL TICKET SALES START OCTOBER 1 at 40 $

Le Coquetel - Happy Hour
2023-03-02 17:00 - 19:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Come visit us on March 2 between 5:00-7:00pm to mingle and socialize with other members of our community in French.

Open to members and non-members.

Rosier Band Concert
2023-03-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Oak Bay Recreation Centre
Resolutely folk and with much attention to detail, Rosier has evolved gracefully from the ordinary and prescribed models of their time. Walking the line between traditional and modern, the Montreal group invests in a daring approach where traditional song is intimately molded with sought-after pop.

Doors open: 6:00pm (come early to enjoy dinner and drinks)
Concert: 7:30pm

For members of the SFV, tickets are only $20!

Price for non-members: $30 (+ taxes)
Price at the door: $35

To buy your ticket, make a reservation or write us at info@sfvictoria.ca

Kitchen Party: An evening of dancing and Sugar Shack dinner
2023-03-10 17:00 - 22:00 | The Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road, Esquimalt, Canada
During our FRANCO FEST, come celebrate French-Canadian culture with this kitchen party-style evening. We will have an evening of dance hosted by professional jig dancers and a delicious Sugar Shack inspired dinner – all at the Esquimalt Pavillion.

Come learn traditional French-Canadian dances led by special guest artists from Québec, all to celebrate the francophone community in Victoria.

Invited Guests:

France Bourque-Moreau
Richard Forest (violin)
Denis Pépin (accordion and piano)
Louis Roy (jig dancer)

Sugar Shack Dinner Menu (Food for Thought)

Ham with Dijon mustard or vegetarian quiche
Mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Coleslaw
Maple beans
Sugar pie

More informations: info@sfvictoria.ca

Historic Tour - 180 years of Francophone history
2023-03-11 11:00 - 12:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
For history and culture enthusiasts, you will go back in time with this enlightening tour. In this 1 hour visit, you will discover 180 years of Francophone culture in Victoria: from Fort Victoria to the Francophone House of Victoria.

This historic tour is guided by the talented Marie-Helene Bourret, president of Historic Francophone Association of Victoria (AHFV).

Free!
Please reserve ↴

Festive Market
2023-03-11 11:30 - 16:30 | École Victor-Brodeur, 637 Head St, Victoria, Victoria, BC, V9A 5S9, Canada
This event will attract lovers of food and French-Canadian culture. We invite members of the public to discover products from local French artists and merchants, as well as other surprises.

On the schedule: family activities, virtual reality zone, jig workshop, musical show, and public market. In the mood for something sweet? There will also be a station selling “la tire d’érable” (the classic frozen maple snack)!

Free entry

Café Causerie - Tour of the Legislative Assembly Building
2023-03-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Assemblée législative de la Colombie-Britannique, Victoria, Canada
Activity for our 50+ SFV members! Come join us for coffee and good food, and for interesting discussions in a welcoming environment.

Special activity for March: lunch at the Legislative Assembly (in their restaurant) followed by a guided tour of the Building in French.

11:30am: Lunch
1:00pm: Tour

Cost: Each member pays for their own lunch at the restaurant

Sign up: info@sfvictoria.ca

‘Les Décibels’ Choir Show with Invited Guests
2023-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad street, Victoria, V8W 2B2, Canada
This is the choir’s first production since the pandemic, and its first official performance under the direction of Casey Edmunds. Accompanied by Louise Alepin, the choir will take us through a melodic journey of francophone repertoire throughout the ages. From 1843, when French-speakers were banished from this place, to Canada’s 150th celebrations in 2017, the choir will enchant in this very French concert.
Guest artists include French-canadian musicians from Québec and Elder Alex Nelson from the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw First Nations in Kingcome Inlet.
TICKETS

MEMBER: 5$
NON-MEMBER: 10$

To reserve your tickets, write us at info@sfvictoria.ca

Alexis Normand Concert
2023-03-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Hermann’s Jazz, 753 View St, Victoria, Colombie-Britannique, V8W 1J9, Canada
Alexis Normand sheds light on the struggles facing numerous Francophones who find themselves a minority. The Fransaskoise presents a show featuring elegant guitar, thoughtfully crafted lyrics and nuanced interpretations. Through her songs and short documentary Assez French, produced by the National Film Board, she tells the story of her personal identity journey, all while confronting her own linguistic insecurities. After an intermission, Alexis will open the floor to the public with a time for questions, encouraging engaging exchanges that will help to deepen the understanding of the diversity of Francophone identities.
Concert presented by les Rendez-Vous de la francophonie.

Biography
Critics all over the country are applauding Alexis Normand’s jazz-folk music. Alexis was named the Francophone artist of the year by the Western Canadian MusicAwards. She has been nominated for several other awards, including the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Awards. In 2016, she put her solo career on hold to join the trio Rosie & the Riveters and tour with them full time. The most recent album from the group, Ms. Behave, received 3rd place on CBC Radio2’s Top20, and was featured in multiple publications including Billboard and Rolling Stone. After dedicating more than 10 years to her career as an author-composer-performer, she has recently turned her artistic vision towards directing documentaries, a new medium of her artistic expression that highlights authenticity and vulnerability.

Concert -- Taraf Syriana
2023-11-19 19:30 - 21:00 | 932 Balmoral Rd, 932 Balmoral Rd, Victoria, BC, V8T 1A8, Canada
Closing concert of the 2023 World Accordion and Tango Festival
This masterful lineup of multicultural artists from around the world features music from Sephardic Jewish, Syrian, and Roma traditions. This Montreal-based group includes legendary Romani accordionist Sergiu Popa, qanun virtuoso Naeem Shanwar and violist Omar Abou Afach, both of whom immigrated to Canada from Syria, and acclaimed Sephardic cellist Noémy Braun.
Their new album has just been nominated as the Global Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Described as “Expressive and emotional… played with absolute brilliance by a group of amazingly talented musicians” the band is especially relevant “In a world that unfortunately seems to be becoming more and more divisive, this beautiful work of art that celebrates people coming together is definitely a must hear.”

Tickets:

regular: $25

Senior/student/member of SFV: $20
($30 at the door)

Le Coquetel - festive season
2023-12-07 17:00 - 19:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Join us for a special evening this festive season: Coquetel 5 à 7. Come and enjoy the festive atmosphere with us. No entry fee, no booking necessary. We’re waiting for you to share this festive moment together!

Admission is free, and no registration is require

Christmas franco
2023-12-09 09:30 - 14:00 | École Victor-Brodeur, 637 Head St, Victoria, Victoria, BC, V9A 5S9, Canada
🎄Experience the magic of the Holidays in French in Victoria! A magical day for the whole family 🎄
Discover the Christmas market with its charming stalls run by local and French-speaking merchants. It’s the perfect place to find small gifts to place under the tree. Treat yourself to a delicious sweet breakfast and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss Santa’s workshop, where children will have the chance to leave with a little surprise and a memorable photo with Santa Claus. Also, enjoy a musical performance by the French-speaking choir “Les Décibels.”
❄️❄️❄️
Check out the detailed schedule for the upcoming day to not miss any of the festivities.

REGISTRATIONS FOR 2023 EDITION
Become an artisan 🎁
If you wish to participate as an exhibitor, we are currently accepting registrations. We are committed to offering the public an authentic, French, and quality Christmas market. Please introduce yourself and the artisanal works, organizations, or products you offer at the following address: info@sfvictoria.ca

Literary evening
2024-03-11 18:00 - 2024-03-16 20:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
In collaboration with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver, writer Thomas Sandoz invites you to a literary evening. The event will feature an enriching workshop-conference on the cultural policies influencing the literary landscape of French-speaking Switzerland. Hors d’oeuvres and Swiss wine will be provided courtesy of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver.

Please reserve your ticket below. If you have any difficulties, please contact us at info@sfvictoria.ca

Schedule

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Doors open and reception
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Conference
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Chat and meetups

Biography
Thomas Sandoz, writer and doctor of psychology, devotes himself to writing in a variety of forms. He has published novels, essays and monographs in Switzerland and France (Grasset, Le Seuil, PUF). He is also the author of various contributions, including for the stage. Alongside his personal projects, he works on commission as a cultural mediator and leads writing workshops, particularly in schools. He has received several literary awards.

Masterclass - Acadian dance
2024-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | 637 Head St, Victoria, BC V9A 5S9, 637 Head St, Victoria, BC, Victoria, Colombie-Britannique, V9A 5S9, Canada
Join Robin LeBlanc and his family for a master class in Acadian dance, and learn more about traditional Acadian songs and folklore. A enriching evening that promises lots of fun.
This workshop is open to people of all ages; however, young children must be accompanied.

Schedule

5:30 PM: Doors open
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Masterclass (Acadian dance)

Free, please make your reservation below!

Concert - La famille LeBlanc
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
An intimate yet uplifting concert by the LeBlanc Family! Robin, Rebecca, and their three daughters, Charlotte, Rosalie, and Melody, delve into the folk repertoire of the Acadian Peninsula to bring forth a beautiful selection of songs and reels they keep from being forgotten. The LeBlanc Family performs a true act of remembrance by playing pieces from the heritage of all Acadian regions. Let the show begin!

Tickets are limited in quantity, so make sure to get yours now to not miss out on this concert featuring Acadian rhythms!
Thirsty or peckish? No worries! Our bar and bites service has got you covered, for a small fee.

Schedule

6:45 PM: Doors open
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Concert

Biography
The LeBlanc family has been a musical family for at least 6 generations. Today, Robin LeBlanc, along with his wife and their three daughters aged 12, 14, and 15, continues this tradition. Immersed in music from birth, the three LeBlanc sisters dance to the jig tunes played on their father’s violin, which carry the dance melodies played by his great-grandfather Fériole in Saindoux. Charlotte, the eldest, plays the violin, Rosalie accompanies on the piano and concertina, and Melody adds to the mix with her step dancing and flute playing. Their mother harmonizes her voice with theirs, performing several traditional songs from Pré d’en haut. To the rhythm of the music, “The LeBlanc Family” will surely get you dancing and give you a taste of a traditional Acadian evening!

Kitchen Party
2024-03-15 17:00 - 21:00 | The Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road, Esquimalt, Canada
This Friday, March 15th, as part of Franco Fest Victoria, get ready for a lively time at the Kitchen Party at Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion! You’re invited to celebrate Canadian-French culture and Acadian music. Look forward to an evening full of entertainment and delicious traditional flavors.
On the agenda: savor a delicious meal inspired by sugar shack cuisine, musical performances by the duo Kouskous and the LeBlanc family, a dance party, and much more!
Limited availability, secure your tickets today. The evening will unfold with a delightful three-course meal, accompanied by performances from two musical bands and engaging entertainment.

Adult Admission: $40
Child Admission (Under 18): $10

SCHEDULE
5:00 PM: Doors open
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Traditional animations and activities
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner service
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM: Musical performance by the duo Kouskous
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Dance party with the LeBlanc family

SUGAR SHACK STYLE MENU

Maple and Dijon Ham and quiches (for vegetarians only)
Mashed Potatoes – Vegetables and Greens – Coleslaw and Maple Baked Beans
Dessert

Musical Performance

The Kouskous duo, made up of Gary and Amber, will perform traditional and popular French songs.
La famille LeBlanc” will keep you moving to the rhythm of their music, and give you a traditional Acadian wake!

Festive Market
2024-03-16 12:00 - 16:00 | École Victor-Brodeur, 637 Head St, Victoria, Victoria, BC, V9A 5S9, Canada
This day is designed to delight food lovers and families with a variety of activities. Discover our iconic Spring French Market, a showcase of French-speaking artisans and organizations, offering a unique opportunity to explore beautiful handmade creations.
🍁 What to expect: a program of family-friendly entertainment is planned to captivate the youngest. Enjoy the traditional delight of maple taffy on snow, available here in Victoria (paid $) for an authentic experience not to be missed! A dining area offering flavors of traditional dishes is also waiting for you (paid $). 🍁
This day is an invitation to celebrate the richness of our culture and traditions, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Free entry, no reservations required.
SCHEDULE

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Gourmet kiosks
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Family zone
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Francophone artisans market
12:45 p.m.: Dance and music with the LeBlanc family
1:30 p.m.: Performances by Métis dancers
2:15 p.m.: Dance and music with the LeBlanc family
3:15 p.m.: Dance and music with the LeBlanc family

DELICACIES
Maple taffy on snow stand!
Country Crepes sweet and savory crepe food truck.
Sugar shack nod menu: mini meat pies, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Storytelling, Music, and Poetry night
2024-03-20 18:00 - 21:30 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Evening of storytelling, music, and poetry in collaboration with the Department of French and Francophone Studies, we are pleased to welcome the poet, storyteller, and novelist Marie-Célie Agnant for a reading of her poems and stories. This evening will also be enhanced by the musical performance of the jazz musician Noedy HD. This evening will also be enhanced by the musical performance of the jazz musician Noedy HD. And enjoy an exotic buffet of Caribbean delights prepared by Caribbean Village Cafe before the show! ⚜️ Dive into an evening where culture unfolds in a thousand splendors, reserve your seat now.

📢Special Franco-Friend Discovery Offer: Are you a member of the SFV? Take advantage of our exclusive offer for the Day of La Francophonie and invite a non-member friend to benefit from the preferential rate reserved for members. This offer is only valid on the Day of La Francophonie. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to share the benefits of your membership with your loved ones!

Schedule

Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Caribbean Buffet from 6 PM to 7 PM
Evening of storytelling, music, poetry, and jazz from 7 PM to 9:30 PM

Bio:
Born in Haiti, Marie-Célie Agnant has lived in Montreal for 29 years. Initially a teacher, then a translator and interpreter, she has participated in several university research projects. Her collection of short stories, Le Silence comme le sang, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award of Canada. Femmes des terres brûlées, her third poetry collection, earned her the 2017 Alain-Grandbois Prize from the Academy of Letters of Quebec.

Noedy Hechavarria Duharte, originally from Santiago de Cuba, settled in Victoria in 2014. Since then, he has established himself as a unique and original jazz musician on the West Coast. Noedy had the opportunity to study with internationally renowned musicians, including pianists Danilo Pérez and Aruan Ortiz in New York, as well as saxophonists Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Frank Lozano, and Ralph Bowen.

Conference - Canada's Francophones: expressing their differences?
2024-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | La Société francophone de Victoria, 2-1218 Langley St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W2, Canada
Annette Boudreau,a sociolinguist, explores in her lecture the linguistic discriminations and their social consequences on individuals whose linguistic practices deviate from an imaginary norm. She highlights exclusion and its harmful effects on identity, while emphasizing the importance of reflexivity and accepting one’s linguistic difference. By taking the Canadian Francophonie as a case study, this presentation aims to shed light on the dynamics of power and identity.
This initiative is supported in partnership with the Conseil jeunesse francophone de la Colombie-Britannique , the Department of French and Francophone Studies, and Faculty of Humanities – University of Victoria.
While discourse celebrating linguistic diversity is plentiful, there is a long way from theory to practice, and discriminations related to ways of speaking that do not conform to an imagined norm remain frequent. A monolithic vision of the linguistic practices of a language is at the base of exclusion processes that have significant social consequences for people who do not see themselves as legitimate speakers: withdrawal, shame, and silence.
The use of language is never free of power dynamics. People communicate not only through words but also through their body language, which is shaped by their social environment and unique history. This understanding helps us to appreciate and accept differences, both in ourselves and others. The representations that are created and circulated about a particular language can influence a person’s linguistic identity, either by rejecting or embracing it. I will use the Canadian Francophonie as an example to explore these issues. Reflecting on one’s linguistic journey can provide insight into how language functions.

Biography of Annette Boudreau
Annette Boudreau, professor emeritus of the Department of French Studies at the University of Moncton, researches issues related to linguistic insecurity, linguistic ideologies, and the linguistic practices of Francophones in minority settings, particularly in Acadia. Throughout her career, Annette Boudreau has endeavored to fight against misconceptions about stigmatized and denigrated varieties of French to eradicate linguistic discrimination. Recipient of the Acfas Gilles-Paquet Prize in 2023, Annette Boudreau is a prolific author. In addition to numerous scholarly articles, she has several recent books to her credit.
