Explanation of a Québéskoise

- Hello! I am calling you concerning your interest in the animatrice culturel position in Saskatoon, she told me on the phone.

- Saska... en Saskatchewan?!

- Yes, in Saskatchewan, she said as she laughed! Would you be available for a telephone interview tomorrow, around 3:30 your time?

- Euh... yes yes.

It was a Wednesday, near the end of the month of October. I didn’t know that the job I had applied for was in Saskatchewan. I never considered that I three weeks later I would be there and that I would spend the next three years there (that I would build a bond, that I would get involved and married)!

During these three years, I discovered a community that is a lot different then the universe that I grew up in, but in which I immediately felt at home in! Here (in Saskatchewan, for a couple more days), people say hi when they cross each other on the street, they help each other and give freely of their time. Here life beats at a different rhythm, worthy of reggae music. Here in the land of the living skies, with a little bit of searching, we can find a rich francophone community. Associations, artists, activities and of course… Fransaskois!

For those that don’t know it yet, a Fransaskois is a francophone Saskatchewan resident. Even if I have lived here (Saskatchewan) for a couple years, there will always be a pieces of me that makes it so that I will never be a fransaskoise. No there isn’t a long immigration form to fill out, and have to wait for the people to accept you. No, not because I’m worried to be labelled by the 3 Accords “Saskatchewan” song. But because, when I stub my toe against a door frame I will let out a string of curses not common here, when I see a video clip of René Lévesque’s referendum speech I am brought near to tears or because the first thing I crave when I visit Québec is a great poutine.

And that is why between my love of Fransaskois and my strong belief in Québec, I am proud to be a Québéskoise!