The Wee Ones Meet Francis The Fish

We designed Francis ourselves and we feel that he/she is what is needed to help people in our Province to come together and feel good about each other. Francis is a strong ambassador, showing what makes us unique and strong as a community.

We think that Francis is a very good Mascot for New Brunswick and we want to be able to use Francis to help promote our Province around the world to better tell our story of why we believe that New Brunswick is the BEST place to come and visit and stay for awhile.

The story Francis wants to tell is one of UNITY, MULTICULTARISM, culture and heritage. As New Brunswickers we are proud of our region, our people, and that the history, culture and natural beauty here is unique throughout the world. Francis believes NO ONE should be left behind and we should see ourselves as "ONE BIG FAMILY".... A jaunty Scottish Tam atop the fish's head, a set of Bagpipes in it's fins saluting the United Empire Loyalists , Eagle feathers hanging from them as a Nod to the First Nations Communities, bubbles emblazoned with the Acadian emblem floating about the scene, with a big Shamrock as a backdrop, a big thumbs up and a Bigger smile.

The Salmon: Represents the burning desire to survive and suceed the same qualities you will find in the people of New Brunswick. It was the food source that was respected by our ancestors and united the 5 founding cultures. The salmon is a happy and proud symbol of our region and stands with the thumbs-up sign and shows a positive aspect for the people of New Brunswick. New Brunswick is also known to have the most famous Salmon fishing rivers in N.A.

A Scottish Tam: (a Bonnet of color) - Represents a crown that every Scot could wear. Its tartan is symbolic of clan kinship. These were the ideals that allowed the Scots to dream of a better life here in New Brunswick and to forge ahead. The Scottish brought with them strong values, culture and a great work ethic to New Brunswick.

The Acadian Flag: The Acadian people were the first European people to come to our area and settle. The Acadians represent some 35% of the population of New Brunswick. The blue, white and red, tricolor honours France, the nation from which the first Acadians immigrated. The flag is distinguished by the Stella Maris or Star of Mary, which commemorates the guiding star of the Acadian people during their long time of adversity.

The Eagle Feathers: Have long been the symbol of honour, bravery, love, friendship and mystical powers for the Native Community. The native people taught our European ancestors how to survive the harsh winters we have here and it is because of them being good neighbors that we have thrived to this day. Natives have overcome so many adversities and are an example of hope and bravery.

The Bag Pipes: An instrument with a multicultural history, the same as that of the United Empire Loyalists. The pipes and drums were used to lead the British soldiers into the battlefield. Reminding the many diverse cultures of their heroic legacies uniting them as one, under the British crown. The United Empire Loyalists suffered greatly for their principles, but due to their great determination and beliefs they helped establish the Province of New Brunswick. At the close of the American Revolution about 12,000 Loyalists and disbanded soldiers poured into New Brunswick.

The Shamrock: Represents a symbol of luck and the strength and devotion of the Irish culture. Many of the Irish died when first arriving in New Brunswick, having to overcome starvation and disease. Even when faced with immeasurable obstacles the Irish over came all these barriers, making their mark in New Brunswick. There was a time that the Irish were the largest ethnic group in New Brunswick making up one third of the population. Our province was almost named New Ireland at one point in our history.

We think that Francis is a very good way for us to have a focus and a starting point for promoting the strength of the province of New Brunswick.

We have “Flipped for Francis” and hope you do too.