Le 24 juin - Célébrons le Québec!
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
June 24, 2011
Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
OTTAWA— I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone celebrating Saint‑Jean-Baptiste Day.
The origin of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities dates back thousands of years, to a time when festivals marking the summer solstice were held in France. Over the centuries, these ancient rituals merged with the celebration of the day honouring the patron saint of French Canadians, giving rise to the parades and pageantry that have become so characteristic of the lively festivities on June 24. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is recognized as the national holiday of Quebeckers. This tradition is also celebrated in Francophone communities right across Canada.
The French fact is an intrinsic part of our country. For me, it is a collective treasure that adds to the richness of our heritage. Whether this occasion sees you standing before a bonfire, revelling at a concert or enjoying the intimate surroundings of your own back garden, I invite you all to proudly lay claim to this most festive inheritance.
I wish you all a wonderful Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
David Johnston
Source: Rideau Hall Press Office
June 24, 2011
Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
OTTAWA— I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone celebrating Saint‑Jean-Baptiste Day.
The origin of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities dates back thousands of years, to a time when festivals marking the summer solstice were held in France. Over the centuries, these ancient rituals merged with the celebration of the day honouring the patron saint of French Canadians, giving rise to the parades and pageantry that have become so characteristic of the lively festivities on June 24. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is recognized as the national holiday of Quebeckers. This tradition is also celebrated in Francophone communities right across Canada.
The French fact is an intrinsic part of our country. For me, it is a collective treasure that adds to the richness of our heritage. Whether this occasion sees you standing before a bonfire, revelling at a concert or enjoying the intimate surroundings of your own back garden, I invite you all to proudly lay claim to this most festive inheritance.
I wish you all a wonderful Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
David Johnston
Source: Rideau Hall Press Office
Vive le Québec Black!
On June 24th, as Canadian Francophones celebrate the Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste (also considered Quebec's National Day), with a plethora of Parades, bonfires, fireworks, feasting, drinking, musical concerts, flag waving and patriotic speeches, let us salute the illustrious Black Québécois who have contributed so much to their province and country.
Interesting reading:
Some Missing Pages: The Black Community in the History of Quebec and Canada
http://www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/curriculum/social_sciences/features/missingpages/
Shared Values, Common Interests: The Full Participation of Black Communities in Québec Society
Consultation Document - August 2005
http://www.micc.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/dossiers/Consultation-communautes-noires-anglais.pdf
Black studies Center / centre d'3tudes sur les Noirs
http://www.blackstudies.ca/
Interesting reading:
Some Missing Pages: The Black Community in the History of Quebec and Canada
http://www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/curriculum/social_sciences/features/missingpages/
Shared Values, Common Interests: The Full Participation of Black Communities in Québec Society
Consultation Document - August 2005
http://www.micc.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/dossiers/Consultation-communautes-noires-anglais.pdf
Black studies Center / centre d'3tudes sur les Noirs
http://www.blackstudies.ca/
Célébrons les contributions des Afro-québécois à leur province, au Canada et au monde!
In municipal councils, in provinicial legislatures, on Parliament Hill and at Rideau Hall, these trailblazers have left their mark on Quebec's and Canada's political landscape.
In the courts, on picket lines and within public institutions, their battles have changed laws and transformed lives. Their writings have eloquently given expression to our trials, triumphs and aspirations. Their songs, poems and jokes have raised our spirits, stirred our souls and expressed our common black experience to audiences around the globe.
In community papers and magazines, on the small and big screen, they have made us visible and made our stories a part of the Quebec and Canadian story. Their exceptional vocal, musical and songwriting talents have garnered international acclaim and produced part of the soundtrack to our Quebec and Canadian story. Their breathtaking feats on the track, on the court, in the ring and on the field have earned them the highest honours nationally and internationally...and made Quebec and Canada shine on the world stage.
In the courts, on picket lines and within public institutions, their battles have changed laws and transformed lives. Their writings have eloquently given expression to our trials, triumphs and aspirations. Their songs, poems and jokes have raised our spirits, stirred our souls and expressed our common black experience to audiences around the globe.
In community papers and magazines, on the small and big screen, they have made us visible and made our stories a part of the Quebec and Canadian story. Their exceptional vocal, musical and songwriting talents have garnered international acclaim and produced part of the soundtrack to our Quebec and Canadian story. Their breathtaking feats on the track, on the court, in the ring and on the field have earned them the highest honours nationally and internationally...and made Quebec and Canada shine on the world stage.