The Office of the Commissioner of Yukon has awarded nearly $9,000 to two community-based projects through the Yukon Francophonie Day funding program. This program supports events that promote the vitality and diversity of the Yukon Francophone community and create opportunities for Yukoners to participate in the celebrations on or around May 15.
Projects awarded in 2026:
- The Société d’histoire francophone du Yukon received $3,000 to present an interactive outdoor rally highlighting historic Francophone figures who contributed to the Yukon’s development. Participants in the rally will be able to explore life sized displays featuring bilingual biographies as part of the Yukon Francophonie Day celebrations hosted by the Association franco-yukonnaise. This free event will start at 5 pm on May 15, 2026, at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse.
- The Programme Confluence in Dawson received $5,995 to host a festive, community wide event on May 13, 2026, from 2:30 to 6 pm. This free event will take place on Front Street in Dawson and will offer a welcoming, family friendly experience celebrating the Yukon’s francophone culture. Supported by many partners, activities include a concert by Claire Ness, inflatable games, arts activities and a free barbecue hosted by the Klondike Valley Fire Department.
I am pleased to see this year’s Yukon Francophonie Day celebrations build on well-established and much anticipated activities, while continuing to expand the reach of Yukon Francophonie Day to communities beyond Whitehorse. I sincerely thank the Société d’histoire francophone du Yukon and the Programme Confluence in Dawson for their dedication to promoting francophone language, culture and heritage, and I invite all Yukoners to take part in the celebrations.
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Since 2007, the Government of Yukon has proclaimed May 15 as Yukon Francophonie Day, which encourages all Yukoners to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and vitality of the Yukon Francophone community.
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Since 2023, the Office of the Commissioner of Yukon has made $15,000 available annually for groups, businesses, municipalities and educational institutions to create opportunities for Yukoners to participate in Yukon Francophonie Day celebrations.
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Based on the most recent national census (2021), more than 14 per cent of Yukoners speak French.
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The Yukon is the third most bilingual jurisdiction in Canada, after Quebec and New Brunswick.
Breanna Leavoy
Private secretary to Commissioner of Yukon
867-456-6548
[email protected]