The Grasslands Project - Les Fransaskois

Si la population du sud des Prairies est très majoritairement anglophone, de petites communautés rurales francophones dynamiques et fortes persistent, disséminées dans cette vaste zone. Parmi celles-ci, Gravelbourg est considérée comme le cœur de la langue et de la culture françaises de la région. Ce court film nous présente la perspective des Fransaskois (habitants de langue française de la Saskatchewan) sur les défis et sur l'avenir de leur singulière culture des Prairies.

Miles Anderson is in a tough spot. The land he ranches has been in his family for over a hundred years, but it's bordered on three sides by an expanding Grasslands National Park and its conservation imperative. Cattle were once considered a major threat to grasslands integrity and the endangered sage grouse in the region, but, due in large part to Miles' persistence, his cattle are now seen as part of the conservation solution.

Small rural communities rely on their volunteer firefighters to handle any emergencies. While the Eastend Fire Department responds to its share of barn and grass fires, they are only a call away from tragedy. Rural first responders are usually first on the scene of grisly farm and motor vehicle accidents, and in a small community the victims are often friends and family. The toll it takes on these volunteers creates its own tragedy.