In Montreal, the French Language Awards celebrate civic engagement

The Montreal French Language Awards celebrate initiatives that not only promote French, but also strengthen our cultural identity and social cohesion.

– Noémie Dansereau-Lavoie, French Language Commissioner, City of Montreal

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French, a driving force for social cohesion

Valérie Plante, mayor of Montreal, opened the ceremony by forcefully emphasizing the importance of French in the identity and culture of the metropolis. She recalled that this language, much more than a simple communication tool, is a real lever for social cohesion and creativity, essential to the cultural richness and dynamism of Montreal. “These awards recognize initiatives that promote our beautiful language, both a tool for social cohesion and a vector of innovation”she said.

In a context where linguistic challenges are numerous, particularly in North America, she insisted on the fundamental role of these distinctions in encouraging Montrealers to integrate French at the heart of their actions. By celebrating these exemplary careers, she also expressed the hope that these awards will continue to fuel innovative projects and breathe new energy into the Montreal Francophonie and beyond.

Dany Laferrière: the French language, a bridge between souls

During the ceremony, Dany Laferrière, writer and academician, captivated the audience with a poetic and inspiring speech. Evoking the power of French as a language of connection and creativity, he underlined: “I feel so alive this morning that I would like to know how many people on this planet feel like this. » True to his style, he recalled the importance of preserving a living language, not only to express ideas, but also to nourish the soul and build bridges between generations and cultures. His message resonated as a call to continue to celebrate and transmit this common wealth that is the French language.

The Montreal French Language Awards, created in 2022, are an initiative of the City of Montreal to recognize and promote remarkable contributions to the promotion and enhancement of the French language in all areas. These awards reaffirm Montreal as the French-speaking metropolis of the Americas, where linguistic and cultural diversity is combined with a deep attachment to French. They embody the City's commitment to encouraging a living, inclusive and creative language.

Patsy Van Roost, the Urban Fairy

Winner of the “Provoke passion” prize, Patsy Van Roost orchestrates artistic projects such as Dear neighbors or I LIKEwhere sewn words become bridges between communities. “As the last French speaker in my family, preserving and transmitting this vital language is a personal mission”she confided.

The Scriptarium, a stage for young people

Le Clou Theater won the “Working Together” prize thanks to its Le Scriptarium project. This annual writing competition, followed by a theater production, highlights the voices of adolescents from all backgrounds. “Creating a bridge between the academic world and the artistic world allows young people to express themselves while strengthening their bond with French”declared Benoît Vermeulen, co-artistic director of the theater during the award ceremony.

Art x Terra, a springboard for French-speaking visual artists

Hélène Leblanc, founder of the Art x Terra platform, received the “Make it shine” prize for her role in the training of French-speaking artists. Since 2008, she has supported thousands of artists in their entrepreneurial journey, promoting their visibility in Quebec and internationally.

Mesut Biderek, an inspiring journey

Originally from Türkiye, Mesut Biderek was honored with the “Investing for the Future” prize. A teacher at Terre-des-Jeunes primary school, he organizes events to make learning French interactive and inclusive. “Teaching French means offering a powerful tool for building cultural and social bridges,” he summarized.

The Itinerary, a Montreal pride

For its 30th anniversary, the organization L'Itinéraire received the favorite prize. Committed to social reintegration, he uses French as a lever of dignity and pride for vulnerable populations. “Since 1992, our mission has been to offer a voice to those who do not have one, while promoting our language,” recalled his team.

A promising springboard for the future of French

With this second edition, the Montreal French Language Awards have already established themselves as an unmissable event to celebrate innovation, passion and commitment around French.

These distinctions, which are still young, carry with them immense potential: that of germinating new ideas, bringing together diverse voices and transforming each initiative into a source of inspiration. As we are already looking towards the third year, let us wish these prizes a long life and good luck to those who take up the challenge and inscribe their vision of French.