LANSING — State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) introduced a resolution, passed by the Michigan House of Representatives during its last week of session, recognizing the week of Sept. 26 as French-Canadian Heritage Week across the state of Michigan.
House Resolution 341, which detailed some of the history of the French-Canadian influence on our state, passed with a voice vote. Among the influential French-Canadians listed by name were Jean Baptiste Reaume of Monroe along with Louis Campau, who founded the cities of Saginaw and Grand Rapids and activist Joseph Labadie. LaVoy has sponsored this resolution each of the last three years.
“I think our cultural heritage is important to recognize,” LaVoy said. “It can be a common thread that helps link people together and celebrates our common heritage across Michigan.”
The event was celebrated at the Capitol in Lansing with a luncheon sponsored by the Quebec Government office in Chicago. The same group is hosting various events in and around the Monroe County area this week, including a feature film presentation on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Monroe County Museum and the hunt for the Loup Garou on Saturday, Oct. 1.