The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of great ambivalence around identity for francophone minority communities in Canada. The desire of francophones in Quebec to assert themselves as “Québécois” (Quebeckers) led to a similar process in other provinces. “French Canadians” became Franco-Manitobans, Franco-Albertans or Franco-Ontarians. Briefly tempted by the term “francophone,” even some Acadians in the Maritimes considered redefining themselves.

Choosing a new name rarely goes smoothly. Just think of the short-lived attempt to rename francophones in Ontario “Ontarois.” Likewise, the term “francophone” did not last in Acadia; the institutional network chose not to abandon its “acadianité.”

These debates often took place behind the scenes, so it was not always clear why one name was favoured over another. The case of francophones in Saskatchewan was an exception. The provincial francophone newspaper – L’Eau vive (founded in 1971) – conducted a public consultation about how the community should define itself. The results, as well as the rationalization behind the choice of the term “Fransaskois,” were presented in the news article selected for the anthology. It revealed the provincialization of francophone identities in Canada – a desire on the part of francophones in Saskatchewan to distinguish themselves from their fellow citizens in neighbouring provinces – but also a determination not to abandon completely old solidarities. The newspaper acknowledged that the term “French Canadians from Saskatchewan” would continue to be in common use. In fact, it is hardly ever heard in Saskatchewan today: the term “Fransaskois” has largely taken its place.