This is the story of Louise Pelletier, a seamstress from Nezv Brunswick. It will he your storm during this activity.
My name is Louise Pelletier. My parents and I live on our family farm beside the Saint John River. Not far away is Edmundston. I'll just put aside my sewing work for a few minutes to tell you about a decision I have to make. You see, I have a big problem to solve. Let me explain.
For all of my 27 years, I've lived here in my parents' home. Our family has farmed here for generations, but it's not a very prosperous farm. The land is not good for crops. The forest has always provided work for the men lumbering, building the big wooden ships, sending logs to markets far away. For a few years now there have been great difficulties for many of our neighbours. The farms aren't strong, the shipbuilding days are over, there isn't enough work. People need to make a living.
My fiance, Jean-Pierre, couldn't make it as a farmer or a forester. He heard about the Klondike, all that gold. Make your fortune! Get rich quick! Well, he got as far as Edmonton. Then he found a friendly French community. He's started homesteading and wants me to join him and be a farmer out west.
My family doesn't want me to leave - they're afraid I'll not be able to raise a family in a proper French, Roman Catholic community if I move to the Prairies. Jean-Pierre says I should. join him-our family can become part of the exciting challenge of farming on the Prairies. I'm not sure what to do. Next week, our Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, is coming to Edmundston. I've heard he encourages francophones to move to the Prairies. He says all of Canada should be considered home for francophones. Maybe I should join Jean-Pierre. The future here doesn't look very promising.
