Month of La Francophonie 2026: Beyond the language, a living heritage
March is the Month of La Francophonie, an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and vitality of Francophone communities across Canada. Francophonie extends far beyond language: it is a living heritage, shaped by narratives, traditions, and innovations that continue to influence our country’s culture and history.
As a national memory institution, Library and Archives Canada invites you to explore its collections on this theme. Discover our selection highlighting Francophone individuals who shaped their era, united communities, and continue to inspire today’s Francophonie.
Here is a glimpse of some of the many Francophone figures who have left their mark and shaped history.
Francophone personalities: from literature to politics
Literature
Follow the journey of Marie-Claire Blais, an internationally recognized Quebec writer, particularly known for her novel A Season in the Life of Emmanuel, a major work in Francophone literature. Our collection includes notebooks on several important works that marked her career, diaries, manuscripts, and more.
Take a look at a portrait of Antonine Maillet, an emblematic figure of contemporary Acadian literature. A renowned writer and playwright, she has profoundly influenced Francophone literature in Canada with works celebrating Acadian culture and language, including La Sagouine and Pélagie-la-Charrette. Her exceptional talent has earned her numerous honours, including the prestigious Prix Goncourt.
Music
Learn more about Michel Pagliaro, also known as Pag, a singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer from Quebec. A prominent figure in 1970’s Quebec rock, he enjoyed great success in both French and English with songs such as J’entends frapper and Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy.
Meet Éva Gauthier, a Franco-Ontarian soprano celebrated for her vocal prowess. She excelled in both classical and modern repertoires and concluded her career as a voice teacher in New York.
- Podcast: I leave you Éva Gauthier
- Flickr album: Podcast images – I leave you Éva Gauthier
Learn more about Mary Travers Bolduc, better known as La Bolduc, a pioneering female singer-songwriter in Quebec and Canada and a leading figure during the economic and social hardships of the 1930s. With her catchy songs and lyrics drawn from everyday life and the challenges of the era, she became the voice of ordinary people, offering them comfort and cheer. She was nicknamed “the queen of Canadian folk music.”
- Podcast: La Bolduc: Queen of Canadian Folksingers
- Flickr album: La Bolduc: Queen of Canadian Folksingers
Photography
Discover Victor Pilon, a multidisciplinary artist recognized for his work in photography, directing, stage design, and visual conception. Through his creations, he documents public art and official events, and produces hybrid performances, some of which have been created for Cirque du Soleil and presented on multiple continents.
Theatre and Cinema
Get to know Daniel Danis, a Quebec playwright renowned for his poetic and socially engaged writing. He is the author of many notable works of contemporary theatre, including Cendres de cailloux and Le langue-à-langue des chiens de roche.
Follow the journey of Gratien Gélinas, a pioneer of modern theatre and cinema in Canada, who gave a voice to ordinary people and paved the way for many of Quebec’s leading screenwriters.
- Podcast: Gratien Gélinas: One of Our Own
- Flickr album: Podcast images – Gratien Gélinas: One of Our Own
- Blog post: The Treasure Trove of a Great Performer: The Gratien Gélinas Fonds
Engraving
Appreciate the work of Yves Baril, a master Canadian engraver who worked for 43 years at Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, where he engraved 146 postage stamps as well as numerous banknotes and official documents. Renowned for his portrait engravings—including that of Queen Elizabeth II—he is considered one of the last great Canadian representatives of traditional engraving.
Politics
Learn more about Louis Riel, defender of the rights of Métis and Francophones in Canada. Founder of Manitoba, he advocated for the recognition of the linguistic and cultural rights of French Canadians, becoming a symbol of Francophonie and cultural resilience in the country.
- Flickr album: Louis David Riel, 1844–1885
Innovation
Immerse yourself in the world of Napoléon Bourassa, an artist, architect, and writer who played an important role in the cultural and artistic rise of French Canada. Through his talent and vision, he left a lasting mark on literature and the arts. His archival fonds includes personal documents, photographs, artworks, travel sketches, and more.
Listen to the sound recordings of Léo Rémillard, one of the pioneers of radio and television. He played an important role in preserving and promoting Francophone culture in Western Canada.
Research and resources
Library and Archives Canada offers a wide range of resources to support your research and help you understand history—and tell your own story. Explore our collections with our online Collection search tool or contact our reference or genealogy specialists for personalized assistance.
To learn more
To discover additional resources and learn more about Francophone communities in Canada, visit La Francophonie in Canada – Month of La Francophonie – Canada.ca.