The Franco-Ontarian flag is more than a symbol. It tells a story. A story of people, of generations who’ve chosen to live in French, sometimes in environments where the language couldn’t be taken for granted. Schools were established, institutions created, organizations came into being and voices were raised so that French could continue to have its place. It’s a story of mobilization that continues today, one that historian Michel Bock, director of the Centre de recherche sur les francophonies canadiennes, and Alain Dupuis, executive director of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada, go over in episode A Century of Franco-Ontarian Mobilization of the Parlez-moi de l’Ontario français podcast.
The story continues, taking on new forms. French Ontario is diverse, creative and on the move. It makes its presence felt in the arts, research, education, community life and the many spaces where Francophones choose every day to speak, create in and work in French.
The University of Ottawa is part of this story. For over 175 years, French has held a special place here. It continues to attract a new generation that wishes to study and make its future in the language. In 2025–2026, over 15,000 students were enrolled in programs in French.
Behind each of these thousands of experiences lies a new story to be written. Because celebrating the Francophonie also means supporting those who will give it new voices, new projects and new forms of expression. It’s encouraging them to bring French to life in their own way and giving them the means to contribute to the future of French Ontario.
In this spirit, the University of Ottawa will mark Franco-Ontarian Day. The celebration, with Marie-Eve Sylvestre (president and vice-chancellor), Julie Cafley (vice-president, Francophonie and external and community relations), Yves Y. Pelletier (associate vice-president, Francophonie) and voices from the University and Franco-Ontarian artistic communities in attendance, will feature the artistry of words. Franco-Ontarian author Michèle Vinet will present a poetic piece that tells the story of a language rooted in the Ontario landscape, while the UOSU Francophone affairs commissioner, Dan Ngenzy Ya Ruty, will add his voice to the celebration with a slam, another way of making the French presence felt.
Poetry and slam will ring out in the Jock Turcot University Centre Agora, each in its own way showing the continuity between generations and the ability of the Francophonie to renew itself.
After all, Franco-Ontarian Day isn’t just a time for looking back. It’s a day to take stock of all that’s been accomplished and imagine what’s next.
What place do we want to give French in the coming years? Which voices do we want to hear? What projects do we want to bring to fruition?
These questions are the concern of an entire community and all who add to its vitality.