LETTER

LETTRE

Our local pioneers!

 A podcast highlighting little-known stories of Quebec’s pioneers has been produced through collaboration of the Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) and Pontiac Community Radio CHIP 101.9. Accompanied by a local historian and descendants of Philemon and Alonzo Wright, the host Jacob Lavigne travels back to the 19th century to rediscover the characters who helped shape the Outaouais.
    Since anglophone and francophone communities coexist in the Outaouais, working together to serve both was the idea.  RAWQ's mission is to serve the English-speaking community here and CHIP 101.9 is a Quebec-licensed radio station whose mission is to inform listeners about happenings in Pontiac and the Outaouais.
"This is a concrete project that highlights the partnerships between the two communities, while offering a new service to the English-speaking community," said David Gillespie,  of CHIP 101.9 and the RAWQ.
    During the discussions, over 4 episodes, in both French and English, the listener will learn more about the figures who founded Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, and the Pontiac, such as Nicholas Sparks or Charles Symmes. The topics covered range from the forestry industry to marriage to legal disputes and the accidental death of Hannah Symmes in the attic of the Symmes Inn.
    Building on this partnership, there will likely be new episodes in the future dealing with other local historical figures or events that have shaped the region. A second series of podcasts is expected to launch next fall.
Jeanne Nivischiuk, RAWQ
Fort-Coulonge