Former PECI student films and narrates County video in History of French Ontario series

Administrator | Aug 03, 2016 | Comments 1

Brianna Logan

The Mystery of Kenté and early French settlements in Prince Edward County have become part of a continuing series of YouTube videos through the University of Waterloo-based project L’Ontario français et ses premiers textes.

A video on the early history of the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County was filmed and narrated by Brianna Logan, a student of French and a native of Picton, and working at the university as a research assistant this summer.

“The films offer a new perspective on the history of the County during the contact period between French voyageurs and aboriginal peoples,” said François Paré, project supervisor and professor at the university. “What is at stake is a deeper understanding of Lake Ontario’s rich history and its inseparable connection with the First Nations such as the Cayugas and the Hurons.”

Paré said Logan has been enthusiastic about the research project from day one.

“It has been really special for me to learn about the archeological and historical past of my own region,” Logan said. “The goal is to create a richer historical narrative for the Quinte Region.”

“It’s easy to dismiss this part of our collective memory,” said Paré. “Yet, the voyageurs were the first witnesses and participants in an era of contacts with indigenous peoples. That alone continues to define what we are today.”

The research focuses on the writings of French voyageurs and missionaries in the Great Lakes Region (Ontario, New York, Michigan) between 1636 and 1760.

“These fascinating texts constitute the earliest form of literature written in French in what is now the Canadian province of Ontario. With videos already posted and many more to come, there’s something on this channel for everyone, from local history buffs to educators,” said Paré.