The Francophone Ranchers of BC's Interior Plateau

Presented by Maurice Guibord, historian and Director of the the Société historique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique  

Presentation in English

Join us for an engaging presentation on the history of Francophone ranchers who settled in the Cariboo and Okanagan regions in the 1860's and 1870's. Through onsite research and oral history interviews with their descendants, the Société historique francophone de la Columbie-Britannique has uncovered remarkable stories of resilience, adaptation, and cultural heritage.

Explore the legacy of eight pioneering families - Boucherie, Guichon, Isnardy, Lequime, Minnaberriet, Patenaude, Pigeon, and Versepuech/Gaspard - who played a vital role in shaping British Columbia's ranching history. Learn about their lasting impact and the diverse experiences of their descendants, including rich intercultural legacies.

Based on a bilingual digital exhibition, this presentation brings history to life through personal narratives, archival research, and a deeper exploration of how these families helped shape BC's cultural landscape.