At the beginning of March, Collège Nordique welcomed three students from Cégep de La Pocatière as part of a research project exploring Nordicity and the realities of French-speaking communities in Northern Canada.

Before arriving in Yellowknife, some of the students were unaware that such a structured and active francophone community existed in the Northwest Territories. Michael explains that they knew French-speaking communities existed across the country, but did not expect to discover such a wide network of organizations, associations and community initiatives here.

Over several days, the students conducted interviews, met members of the Franco-Ténois community and explored Yellowknife in order to better understand how Northern life shapes people’s experiences, identities and daily realities in the Northwest Territories.

Supervised by their professor, Sophie Brodeur, the project relied on a research methodology developed before the trip. The students had established specific criteria to identify interview participants and structure their data collection.

But for the group, one thing quickly became clear: nothing can replace field experience.

“Being here brings a completely different dimension to our research. The conversations and exchanges allow us to go much further than what we can understand from a distance,” explains Sarah-Maude Lemelin.

She adds that despite the extensive preparation completed before the trip, some of the responses they heard during interviews genuinely surprised them. Several testimonies introduced perspectives the group had not anticipated, enriching their understanding of Northern realities.

Michael Lemieux also explains that certain discussions opened new perspectives for the group.

“We didn’t necessarily expect that. People talked to us about the midnight sun, everything it makes possible outdoors, the community life… It really opens up a lot of possibilities here.”

Meaningful Human Encounters

At the heart of their project were interviews conducted with members of the Franco-Ténois community. For the students, these exchanges were particularly striking because of the generosity and trust shown by the people they met.

Sarah-Maude explains that many of the individuals they interviewed were immediately open and authentic in their testimonies.

“People didn’t feel intimidated by our project. On the contrary, they trusted us and really allowed themselves to be transparent and vulnerable in what they shared.”

These discussions helped the students better understand certain migration paths and identity journeys. As Sarah-Maude notes, hearing these personal stories was especially moving for students who have not themselves experienced immigration.

“We haven’t lived that kind of personal journey ourselves, so having access to these stories and reflections was really touching for us,” she adds.

Nathan Cabot also highlights the strength and resilience of some of the individuals they interviewed.

“The people I had the chance to interview are strong and determined individuals. They stayed true to themselves through their journeys, and today they make a real difference in the Franco-Ténois community.”

The Importance of Field Immersion

According to the students, the collaboration between Cégep de La Pocatière and Collège Nordique played a key role in the success of their project.

This initiative is part of a pedagogical framework that allows students to carry out research in the field while giving Collège Nordique an opportunity to actively contribute to the training of the next generation of researchers and professionals interested in Northern realities.

This collaboration enabled the students to meet members of the community quickly, gain a deeper understanding of local realities and experience true immersion in Northern Francophonie.

“Without this collaboration, we wouldn’t have been able to have an immersion like this. It’s very different from arriving somewhere and trying to figure everything out on your own,” explains Sarah-Maude.

Nathan shares a similar perspective and highlights the welcome they received upon arrival.

“We didn’t just feel welcomed; we truly felt integrated and valued. Every time we came back to the Collège, it felt like we were already part of the family, even though we had just arrived.”

Ernesto Pardo, Program and Training Manager at Collège Nordique, also emphasizes the importance of these exchanges.

“It was a real privilege to welcome them and support their understanding of the North, the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife and its francophone community. Their curiosity, their questions and their sense of wonder deeply moved me. Their research stay enriches not only their own projects, but also our collective understanding of this unique territory. I am very grateful for this partnership with Cégep de La Pocatière and excited about the possibility of continuing and developing new collaborations. I also believe this prepares us for the day when we will support our own students in research projects. It’s a great opportunity for us to learn as well.”

A Vibrant and Engaged Francophone Community

Through their encounters, the students discovered a particularly active and engaged francophone community.

Sarah-Maude notes that in the North, the community takes great care of its francophone identity.

“No one takes the community for granted here. Because of the constant turnover in the North, people are deeply involved in maintaining the vitality of the community. People really take care of one another and of the Franco-Ténois community, and this collective involvement creates a strong sense of solidarity.”

Nathan was also impressed by the linguistic and cultural diversity of the local francophone community.

“There is a very unique variety of accents, types of French and identity backgrounds. People constantly listen to one another and adapt to understand each other, and that’s really inspiring.”

He adds that despite their differences, many of the people they met share similar values and challenges.

Discovering Nordicity in New Ways

Beyond their research work, the students also had the opportunity to experience several aspects of life in Yellowknife: cross-country skiing, ice fishing, visiting the Snowkings' Winter Festival, exploring local restaurants and museums.

The group also visited the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. During the sitting, the students from Cégep de La Pocatière and Collège Nordique were officially recognized and named by members of the Assembly.

Some discoveries also surprised them, particularly the possibilities offered by Northern summers.

Even some unexpected situations made the experience memorable. An interview conducted at the Yellowknife swimming pool, in a lively and somewhat chaotic environment, turned into an unexpected discovery of the facilities — and a rather amusing moment for the group.

A Deeply Meaningful Experience

The students were asked to summarize their stay in one word.

For Michael, the experience was “complete,” both because of the variety of activities and the depth of the encounters. He also emphasized the importance of the support they received throughout their stay, particularly from Francis Giguère, whose knowledge of the territory enriched many moments of the trip.

Sarah-Maude chose the word “grateful,” highlighting the many people who helped make the experience possible.

“Without our professor Sophie, the team at Collège Nordique, Ernesto Pardo, Francis, Sandie Redon and everyone involved in this project, this experience would not have been possible.”

Nathan summed up the spirit in which the group approached their stay with one simple word: adventure.

“We arrived here with an explorer’s mindset, ready to learn everything people were willing to share with us and to witness the richness of the territories.”

An Experience That Also Marked Their Professor

For Sophie Brodeur, the project will also remain a meaningful experience.

She particularly highlights the openness and sense of wonder the students showed throughout their stay.

“What touches me the most is their ability to be amazed by everything they experience here. They appreciate the encounters, the activities, the outdoor experiences, the conversations… Sometimes we find ourselves in extraordinary places without realizing the privilege of being there. They are here in Yellowknife, in Northern Canada, and they are amazed by all the small things they discover.”

Sophie is already looking forward to hearing the students share their experience when they return to Cégep de La Pocatière.

“Hearing them talk about their experience the way they do is incredibly powerful and moving. I can’t wait to hear them share these stories with others when we get back.”

Collège Nordique is proud to have contributed to this meaningful pedagogical and human experience, which highlights the richness of exchanges between francophone communities across Canada.

This project by Cégep de La Pocatière is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Québec, as part of its programs supporting the Canadian Francophonie.

Published on March 9th 2026