06/10/2026
⚜️The 6th Annual French Heritage Corridor Conference brought together partners, scholars and community members to explore the depth and diversity of the FHC network. This year’s conference spanned two days: the first day was hosted at the Alliance Française of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and the second featured a full day of chartered bus visits to FHC sites throughout the Twin Cities and Little Canada.
Discussions throughout the conference highlighted the region’s shared history and longstanding connections with Native American Tribes, France, Québec and communities across Canada. Félicitations to Brian Hawkins, the inaugural recipient of the Charles Balesi FHC Vision Award. May the example set by both Charles and Brian inspire many others to pursue excellence in advancing the mission of the FHC.
A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who participated, and especially to Lisa Kahn, French Heritage Corridor Director and FHS Chicago–Midwest Chapter Chair. The FHC extends sincere gratitude to their sponsors, including the Alliance Française Minneapolis/St. Paul; the Québec Delegation in Chicago; the French American Heritage Foundation of Minnesota; the City of Little Canada; the Little Canada Historical Society; La Compagnie des Hivernants de la Rivière de St. Pierre; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Historic Fort Snelling Plank Museum and Visitor Center; Dan Chouinard; Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Minneapolis; historian John Vanek; the Archeological Conservancy; Reed Centracchio Law Firm; and the William T. Kemper Foundation. Merci beaucoup!
