What Happened to the Cajuns?
Over the years, much of the Cajun language has been lost, although much of the culture survived. At one time, public schools actually forbade children to speak French at school, and many French-speaking parents did not teach the language to their children.
However, the story of the Cajuns is not left to history - the Cajun culture is alive and well in Louisiana. Many organizations such as CODOFIL, Fondation CODOFIL, and EvangelineWeb.org, are helping to bring the language back. Several French immersion programs exist across Louisiana. And, the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) is working hard to keep the music and dance traditions alive. Organizations such as the Louisiana Folklife Program in Baton Rouge, as well as Vermilionville and Acadian Village, help educate people about Cajun heritage.
The Cajun people are still alive and well, and Cajun culture is being rejuvinated as an important part of our Louisiana heritage.
'Thibodeaux Goes To Town'
Barbara Steele Thibodeaux
http://folk-art.com/
CODOFIL
In 1968, because of the threats to the Louisiana French language and culture and the concern of certain individuals - among them former congressman James Domengeaux - the Legislature passed Act 409 establishing the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana with Mr. Domengeaux as chairman. Since then, CODOFIL has sponsored many programs to protect and promote the French heritage of Louisiana: the teaching of French in elementary schools, student and teacher exchanges, the organization of national and international meetings, festivals, radio and television programs in French, bilingual publications, etc. These actions resulted in an increased awareness of the value of the French language and a restored pride in being Cajun. These endeavors continue, their objectives being to provide those Louisianians who so desire it, the means to learn and use French, as well to maintain and enrich contact with the various forms of Francophone language and culture.
Contact:
CODOFIL
217 West Main Street
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-6843
(318) 262-5810
(318) 262-5812 (fax)