Franco-Ontarian flag raised at the site where it was first unveiled in 1975

The University of Sudbury and Sudbury's francophoneassocation celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day today, and alsothe 49th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.That was done at a flag-raising ceremony in front of the university Wednesday morning.

Joanne Gervais is the executive director of the Sudbury chapter of L'Associationcanadienne-francaise del'Ontario.She says today is a significant milestone in the history of francophones in the province.

"In a situation where you're a minority, it's important to take the time to celebrate amongst yourselves but also with the community, and days like today and events like today are amongthe many that need to be propagated in order to ensure that we know our history and that we celebrate," she said.

The Franco-Ontarian flag was created by University of Sudbury professor,Gatan Gervais, and student Michel Dupuis in 1975.It was raised for the first time on Sept.25 that year.