Three months ago, I had the privilege of attending a convention in Manchester for French-language speakers. As an intern for the Franco-American Centre, I assisted in welcoming tourists from Montréal, showcasing the Granite State’s rich history, and sharing my perspectives as a New Hampshire native. To this day, I still reflect on the profound cultural connections we forged as well as the insights I gained. To commemorate this day, I’ll be spotlighting two individuals pivotal to celebrating and promoting Québecois culture.
Kathleen Juneau-Roy
Kathleen Juneau-Roy was raised in the city of Trois-Rivières on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. A seasoned genealogist, she first explored the field following the death of her husband’s grandmother. Appalled that close relatives could not share details about previous generations, she embarked on a historical journey across time and space to trace her ancestors. She published a book titled L’Épopée la traverse en Acadie (The Great Crossing of Acadia), a chronicle of the first French immigrants to settle in Acadia. Currently, she’s undertaking another ambitious project: documenting the families of Sainte-Angèle-de-Laval. While it is commonly known that between 1840 and 1930, more than 900,000 French Canadians immigrated to the United States for work, Ms. Juneau-Roy hopes to illuminate another side of the story. For instance, she notes that members of the same family or parish would often work in one of three common cities: Manchester, Fall River, or Lowell. Ultimately, she hopes French Canadians and Franco-Americans will use her work to discover long-lost relatives and build lasting connections defined not by borders, but by blood.
Q: What were your impressions of Manchester?
I discovered a city of incredible beauty reminiscent of my corner of the country. What especially attracts attention are the citizens of Manchester. It’s exactly like finding relatives after a long absence. We are alike in so many ways that it’s incredible. Our determination to keep our language and customs alive is present in our two communities.
Q: Was this your first time visiting New Hampshire? If not, where have you visited previously?
I’ve never been to New Hampshire. I had only been to Pennsylvania, Boston, and New York.
Q: What similarities and differences did you observe between New Hampshire and Québec?
To tell the truth, there were practically no differences. If it weren’t for the state of the language, we might believe that we are still in Québec. We have almost the same culture and the same North American customs.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you? Did you learn something new or unexpected?
Yes, I noticed that we resemble each other physically, which isn’t surprising given that we have the same genes. We could point the finger at French Canadian descendants! It’s amazing—we are indeed from the same family!
Patricia Patera
Patricia Patera, a first-generation Canadian, was raised in the city of Montréal, a multilingual metropolis. Her parents initially immigrated from Italy in search of a better life. It shouldn’t serve as a surprise that the story of Franco-American immigration resonates deeply with Ms. Patera—it mirrors that of her parents. With thirty-five years of experience in the travel industry, she incorporates her passion for genealogy and world cultures into her daily life, tailoring unique travel experiences for her clients with a focus on civic education. Currently, she is developing a series of educational programs on the history of Franco-Americans in New England. She inspires French-Canadians and Franco-Americans to expand their cultural horizons through her creative vision.
Q: What were your impressions of Manchester?
It was an incredible trip and the exchanges I had with other participants were unforgettable!
Q: Was this your first time visiting New Hampshire? If not, where have you visited previously?
I regularly visit Hampton Beach, so I’m very familiar with New Hampshire.
Q: In addition to Manchester, what other places did your group visit on the tour?
We went to Lewiston, Salem, Boston, Fall River, Woonsocket, Providence, Worcester, Lowell, Hampton Beach, and Mount Washington!
Q: What similarities and differences did you observe between New Hampshire and Québec?
Something I noted was the warm welcome, particularly among the Franco-Americans present.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you? Did you learn something new or unexpected?
I realized how much those from Québec resemble Franco-Americans here. I was also surprised by how much they advocate for the French language here in New Hampshire.
Kathleen Juneau-Roy and Patricia Patera continue to inspire communities in Québec and New Hampshire, forging powerful connections across countries. Through their work, they build bridges and foster new perspectives, sure to last a lifetime.
Written by Pranavi Vedula
High School Intern
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