Matapedia village in the 1900s
Photo credit : from the archives of Territoire Solidaire
In my time …
Faye MacNaughton
In collaboration with Marie Morin-Pellerin
🔉 Audio version coming soon!
Faye MacNaughton’s family, like many other anglophone families in Matapédia with names like Fraser, Adams, Moores, Fitzgerald, Irvine, Mann, among others, experienced a transition marked by the gradual arrival of Acadians who began to settle on the plateaus.
We were predominantly anglophone. However, with the arrival of francophones, the linguistic dynamic gradually changed. We were unable to converse with them, but there was never any trouble; somehow, we made each other understand through sign language. During this time, even though it was difficult in many ways, children were being born at home, and the mothers needed help. They managed to hire a “girl” to assist with the housework. Often, she couldn’t speak English, but she learned quickly and taught the kids words here and there. Most of these girls became good friends, and many married English-speaking men.
As I remember, growing up and walking through the village, we frequently heard both languages. I wanted to speak French as I worked as an operator for Quebec Telephone and sales clerk at JE Poirier Store.
In 2021, it’s considered that 19.3%¹ of the population in Matapédia as English as their first language. I’m proud that my children understand French now. It is no longer a barrier for them, as they need it day-to-day. All in all, we are all Canadians, and we deal with language differences with love and respect. Let’s continue to live in harmony!
¹ Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population, Mother tongue, Matapédia (Municipality), 2016 and 2021
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