Latest News / Dernières nouvellesJun 26, 2025

A Canadian first: French immersion graduates receive arrow belt

Swift Current, Saskatchewan

The Société historique de la Saskatchewan is proud to mark a historic moment for Canada's Francophonie: for the very first time in the country, graduates of a French immersion program received the arrow sash at their graduation ceremony.

This initiative, spearheaded by Chinook School Division immersion teachers and Léanne Marchand in particular, marks an important milestone in the recognition of the achievements of Swift Current Comprehensive High School students who have chosen to progress in French throughout their school career.

By incorporating the awarding of the Fransaskois sash - a powerful symbol of the history, resilience and identity of Western Francophones - this ceremony pays tribute not only to the students' commitment to the Francophonie, but also to the rich Francophone cultural heritage of Saskatchewan and the Prairies.

“It's a meaningful gesture, a testament to the vitality and pride of the Fransaskois community, and an example of how our traditions can be updated and enhanced in a contemporary school context,” says Alexandre Chartier, Executive Director of the Société historique de la Saskatchewan.

The Société historique de la Saskatchewan salutes the innovation and leadership of the Chinook School Division, as well as the openness of the greater Swift Current community to this symbolic recognition. We hope this initiative will inspire other immersion schools across Saskatchewan.

On behalf of the Fransaskois community and the Saskatchewan Historical Society, Alexandre Chartier publicly declared the following speech.

Bilingual graduates receiving the Fransaskois sash in 2025:

(left to right) Maddex Barber, Carsten Pitchko, Ayden Snyder, Reece Huber, Michael Liu, Kaylee Heinrichs, Troy Oakman, Devin Kalenchuk, Annabelle Murray, Alexander Dahl, Shane Cornelson, Brady Simpson, Ashlynn Meyer, Zane Banman, Aryn Thibault.