The festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of French presence in Ontario, that were held in Penetanguishene on August 1st, were a huge success. The small community was hosting thousands of visitors who came to celebrate the day Champlain stepped on this land on August 1, 1615. Many francophones from across the province were present for the unveiling of the new statue located on Georgian Bay shores in Rotary Champlain-Wendat Park in Penetanguishene.

We witnessed a reproduction of the encounter between the Huron-Wendat nation and Champlain on August 1st, 1615, as well as speeches from various dignitaries; such as the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, Madeleine Meilleur and the Quebec Minister Jean-Marc Fournier amongst others.

 

Following the opening ceremonies in Penetanguishene, our President, Yves Lévesque, went to Sainte-Marie-au-pays-des-Hurons, in Midland, for the unveiling of an honorary plaque highlighting 400 years of French presence in Ontario.

I invite you to visit the Rotary Champlain-Wendat Park in Penetanguishene and go see this plaque in Sainte-Marie-au-pays-des-Hurons.