The Francophone History of Calgary
In Calgary, the first permanent French mission settled in 1872. The village of Rouleauville was born, and in 1907 it was annexed to the City of Calgary and renamed the district of Mission. Rouleauville is the heart of the city’s Francophone history, and since 1995 several projects have been implemented to highlight this history, including:
- The discovery podcast in Rouleauville
- Season 2 of the Podcast La Place (French)
- Written publications, notably Rouleauville, the cradle of Calgary (Contact the Calgary Public Library to purchase or the authors at rouleauvillebook@gmail.com)
The Francophone Origins of Calgary
A TIMELINE OF FRENCH HISORY:
- 1872
First Mission
The first permanent French mission is established in the territory. - 1875
Fort Brisebois
Fort Brisebois is built by the Nord West Mounted Police. It becomes Fort Calgary in 1876. - 1880
First Parish
Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix becomes the first parish to be established counting a majority French-Métis and French-Canadian population, including the Rouleau brothers, who later played a leading role in defending the interests of Francophones. - 1899
Mission
The Francophone village is officially named Mission and has a population of 500 inhabitants. The city of Calgary has a population of 4,000 at the time. - 1907
Incorporation
Mission is incorporated into Calgary under the name Mission District followed by the rapid decline of the District's original Francophone roots. - 1920
Creation of The French Canadian Association of Alberta
Starting in the 1920's (The French Canadian Association of Alberta is created in 1926), French-Canadians in the province organize to maintain their French language and culture.
History of the French-Albertans:
Click on the below links to learn more about the history of French Albertans and their role in Calgarian history!
Season 2 of ''The Place Podcast''
Season 2 of ''The Place Podcast''
En savoir plusPodcast of Francophone History in Western Canada
Podcast of Francophone History in Western Canada
En savoir plusThe History of Mission:
The ongoing development of the heart of Calgary's French origins.
Several programs and initiatives have been put in place to enhance Calgary's Francophone heritage in the Mission district, formerly Rouleauville.