History

The Francophone heritage in Alberta dates back to the earliest days of the fur trade when the Montreal peddlers came to the Northwest region in search of adventure and business opportunities. The voyageurs married Cree women and the first Francophone communities - Métis communities - were established. Members of religious orders came to Alberta and were followed by settlers. In this process, which spanned over 200 years, significant contributions were made to the settlement of the West and the founding of Alberta.

Francophone Alberta is important historically, politically, economically, culturally and socially. The community is an official language community and the documentation of this rich heritage, and the creation of materials to reinforce community identity and pride, are of enormous importance. The Alberta's Francophone Heritage  website tells these individual and community stories from the era of the fur trade to contemporary Francophone communities confidently embracing the future.

To learn more, consult the chronology  of some of the most significant events in the development of Alberta's Francophone communities.

More on the Development of Alberta's Francophone Communities

Last reviewed/revised: May 17, 2012