Michigan’s French Canadian Heritage Day

Western New France, 1688

Sign the petition to establish a French Canadian Heritage Day in Michigan.

Michigan’s French Canadian Heritage Day. How does that sound? While I would like this to be an announcement of an upcoming event, it is sadly not the case. Not yet! In the past few years the Governors of Michigan have issued an array of Proclamations recognizing Michigan’s great diversity:  Korean American Heritage Day, Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Michigan Christian Heritage Week to name a few.

Isn’t it time for Michigan’s oldest non-Aboriginal population, the French Canadian community, to have a day celebrating its unique culture?

Grassroots Heritage Petition UPDATE II

The Fleur de lis is perhaps the most widely recognized symbol of French heritage in North America. This flag was designed by Quebec artist Simon Beaudry. Drapeau monolys, 2008.

Week two of our petition drive for a French Canadian Heritage Day in Michigan has continued the momentum of our first week. I am pleased to report that today we have 372 signers out of a modest goal of 500. We are three-quarters of the way there –– but we still need your help!

This show of public support is vital if our efforts are to be successful.

If you have seen the petition already but put off signing for later, please take a moment today and add your name to this grassroots civic effort. It only takes a minute. Your help in bringing this day to fruition will be greatly appreciated.

You don’t need to live in Michigan and there is no age limit – just a love for the history and heritage of the Great Lakes State.

Please sign the petition today!

French Canadian Heritage Day Petition UPDATE

The Ceinture Fléchée – Arrow Sash or Assumption Sash. Traditional French Canadian Costume.

If you haven’t read about our petition drive yet, please see the featured story on this blog and sign the petition at change.org. We have gotten off to a very good start with over 300 signatures gathered in the first week! But it’s not over and our goal is (at least) 500. Will you sign our petition and help us reach this goal?

We are happy to have supporters from everywhere, although it is important to have as many Michigan signatures as possible. If you’re not from Michigan and would like to sign, please do so but also leave a comment on the petition about your connection to the state and its French Canadian heritage.

Thank you for your support!

Arrow sash as worn.

Genealogy as a Bridge to Cultural Discovery

Breton Fishermen, Paul Gauguin, 1888. Wikipaintings.org

The practice of genealogy can be described in many ways. Through genealogy, many people come to appreciate that they have access to a rich storehouse of history and culture. This in turn may lead to a revival of traditions, a reinterpretation of values for the 21st century, and a sense of continuity with both those who came before and the generations to come.

If we were to look at our genealogy as an expression of our own culture, we might begin by considering a few questions that individuals bring to discussions about their family history.