Franco-American Centre to host hybrid 2022 Rassemblement April 22–24
The Franco-American Centre at the University of Maine will host a hybrid in-person and virtual 2022 Rassemblement of Franco-American artists, writers and other cultural workers with events from April 22–24.
Participants are invited to choose from the following virtual, in-person and hybrid events that are free and open to the public. Registration online is required (if you have registered already, you will need to re-register). To request a reasonable accommodation or further information, contact Lisa Michaud, lisam@maine.edu; 207.581.3789.
Virtual Film Screening of “The Carrefour” (The Intersection)
- A virtual screening of this short-format documentary. Set in Lewiston, the film explores the blossoming relationship between descendants of French-Canadian immigrants and more recent arrivals from francophone Africa, and discovers the unexpected ways in which their experiences intersect. Learn more about the film and see the trailer here. Participants must register, and the link will be sent to registrants a week prior to the Rassemblement and can be watched at any time prior to the hybrid discussion Saturday, April 23.
Friday, April 22
Hybrid talk, reading and Q&A with Author Tyler Leblanc, 7–9 p.m.
- Tyler Leblanc, author of “Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion,” will be speaking in-person. Growing up on the south shore of Nova Scotia, LeBlanc wasn’t fully aware of his family’s Acadian roots until a chance encounter with an Acadian historian prompted him to delve into his family history. LeBlanc’s discovery that he could trace his family all the way to the time of the Acadian Expulsion and beyond forms the basis of this compelling account of Le Grand Dérangement. The in-person talk and discussion will take place at the Franco-American Centre, 110 Crossland Hall, and will be simultaneously broadcast over Zoom. Register here to join the event virtually.
Saturday, April 23
In-person informal gathering, 10 a.m.–noon
- Join other Rassemblement participants for an informal gathering at the Franco-American Centre.
- Participants who can’t attend the Rassemblement in person can register for this virtual Saturday morning Rassemblment, which will resemble last year’s virtual event. Virtual presentations and discussions will be facilitated by Patrick Lacroix, director of Acadian Archives at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Hybrid afternoon discussion facilitated by Jacob Albert, project manager for the Franco American Portal, 2–3 p.m.
- Join the directors of “Le Carrefour” virtually for a discussion of its making. Those in Orono will gather at the Franco-American Centre to join the Zoom-based discussion. Registration is required.
In-person closing event, 7–9 p.m.
- Bring your instruments for a jam at the Franco-American Centre. Gus La Casse, Ellsworth-based fiddler, will perform.
Sunday, April 24
In-person morning debrief and coffee hour, 10 a.m.–noon
- Optional informal discussion to wrap-up the weekend, provide feedback and say good-byes in at the Franco-American Centre, 110 Crossland Hall in Orono.
A block of rooms has been reserved at Black Bear Inn in Orono under “Franco-American Programs” for in-person attendees who would like to stay Friday and/or Saturday. For groups of participants outside of Orono, the Franco-American Centre will help organize in-person satellite Rassemblements, as well as a Zoom channel for those who wish to gather virtually.