Francophones in Sudbury celebrate their history and culture

Francophones across the province celebrated their heritage and culture Wednesday on Franco-Ontarian Day, including in Greater Sudbury, where more than 30 per cent of the population speaks French.

Grade 9 students at Ecole Secondaire Sacre-Coeur dug into a new tradition. Every Sept. 25, a new tree will be planted on school property.

Francophones across the province celebrated their heritage and culture Wednesday on Franco-Ontarian Day, including in Greater Sudbury, where more than 30 per cent of the population speaks French. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)

"I think that this is great for the Grade 9s because it gives them a foundation," said principal Sabrina Rocca.

"There’s so many symbolisms behind a tree -- the roots and the land we’re on. I think it’s going to be great for the Grade 9s to do."

The Grade 9 students also wrote letters to themselves to be opened when they’re in Grade 12.

"So, they’ll be able to come back and read those letters and see how much the tree has grown as they have," Rocca said.

Student Mikelle Legault said the new tradition is fitting.

"As a young child that was raised in this community, I think it’s super meaningful for us to start traditions and just bring more traditions," Legault said.

"I love seeing everyone gather around and just see everyone happy, and seeing what community we’ve built together is honestly such and awesome thing."

Francophones across the province celebrated their heritage and culture Wednesday on Franco-Ontarian Day, including in Greater Sudbury, where more than 30 per cent of the population speaks French.

The red oak tree was blessed by a local priest. Then each student added soil to the base.

The tree is a fitting symbol for the growing Franco-Ontarian population, which is now 622,000 across the province.

Another symbol for Franco-Ontarians is the green and white flag with the fleur-de-lys and trillium, which was hoisted at schools and organizations on Wednesday.

It was a big part of the celebrations at the flag’s birthplace 49 years ago at Université de Sudbury, where rain and gloomy weather couldn’t dampen spirits.

The post-secondary school used the event to announce a slew of new scholarships and programs tailored to in-demand markets.

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"I think it’s really important to respond to what students are asking for and they want a full suite of programs," said president Serge Miville

"We know the labour market really does need people with these skills."

It has been a storied history for Franco-Ontarians. The flag first flew at Université de Sudbury 49 years ago after it was created by a professor and his students. The symbol was legally recognized by the Province of Ontario in 2001. Franco-Ontarian Day is also relatively new, having started in 2010.