French group folds
Lack of new volunteers cited

by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 03/97) - The Northwest Territories' chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is finis.

With the organization's folding, students taking French lose a resource dedicated to bringing French culture to the North.

Over several years, the chapter has sponsored the concour d'arts d'oratoire (a national French public speaking contest), camp de neige (outdoor winter activities at Prelude) and summer day camps.

It has also brought musicians Jacques Chauvin and Charlotte Diamond, as well as performers Jean Gautier and Les Boucherons (the singing lumberjacks), to the North.

Last year, the local chapter suffered from lack of interest and was only able to sponsor the concour d'arts d'oratoire.

About a dozen years ago, CPF was started by the same parents that pushed for French Immersion programs to Yellowknife schools.

It met its end last Thursday when no new blood showed at a meeting on the chapter's future.

A flyer, circulated to parents last month calling for new volunteers, said the situation was "grim" as members of the executive are not able to continue.

Lack of interest meant the organization had lapsed, said Maureen Regel.

Because not enough new people showed at last Thursday's meeting, "there was no decision to make," said Regel, who has been on the executive in past years.

"It's unfortunate we've lost this organization. It's too bad for parents who haven't seen what CPF can do."

Lesley Bromley, CPF national director representing the NWT, said the North chapter may be absorbed into the Alberta branch. But that won't be the same as having a local branch, she agreed.