At the beginning of 1967, Stéphana Rivest realized his idea of forming a group of French Canadian women in the region under the name ‘’Club français de Powell River’’. The group was quickly renamed the ‘’Club Bon Accueil’’: meetings were held in private homes where people played cards or bingo while discussing future activities of the organization.
Over the years, the number of members increased, the spouses took part in certain community celebrations, and the Club was invited to represent French-Canadian culture at festivals in the region. In 1977, the members of the Club Bon Accueil voted and decided:
- to join the provincial organization, the Federation of Franco-Colombians
- to open the doors to the members’ men and children
- create committees for young people, leisure and the cultural component
- to register as a company under the law in British Columbia
- to issue membership cards
- to publish a monthly bulletin, and
- request funding from the Secretary of State (now known as Canadian Heritage).
In the 1980s, the Framework Program for Teaching French was offered to children of French-speaking parents and the number of members increased, activities increased and the Club decided to buy land on Manson Avenue. Teams of volunteers set about building the building and the Club moved into its new center in November 1985 and officially opened it in February 1986. Five years later, in 1991, the mortgage was paid and the Club is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 1992!
On May 22nd 2024, members vote to change the name of the society at a extraordinary general meeting. With a majority vote, the name of the society becomes: Association francophone de qathet (AFqa).
The history of Francophones in the qathet region continues to flourish around AFqa.
Did you know that in British Columbia:
- Francophones arrived with Alexander Mackenzie in 1793?
- The first French-speaking parish was born in Maillardville in 1909?
- 42,000 Francophones live in Vancouver and Victoria?
- Are there 40 French-language schools and nearly 4,200 young people attending them? The Francophone School Board is the fastest growing school board in BC.
- Are there almost 40,000 children enrolled in immersion programs?
- Simon Fraser University now has its Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs and that young adults can pursue their post-secondary studies in French?
