Francis Fish represents what The Wee Ones feel is important in their
lives. They are selling t-shirts with the Logo and also advertising space on placemats for local restaurants. The initial
response from the public and business has been fantastic.
The Wee Ones have met the mayor, the MLA, and the Premier.
Below is a copy of the presentation The Wee Ones gave to City of Miramichi
Tourism and Regional Development.
Hello my name is Ryley Allison and these are my sisters Sydney and Hailey
I would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak to you
tonight
We have started a Company called The Wee Ones, which is Promoting Multi
Cultural pride here on the Miramichi and in New Brunswick. We have a Mascot for our Company and his name is Francis the Fish.
We designed Francis ourselves and we feel that he is what is needed to
help people in our region to come together and feel good about ourselves and what makes us unique and strong as a community.
We also think that Francis is a very good Mascot for our area and we
want to be able to use Francis to promote our region locally, Provincially, and around the world to better tell our story
and why we believe that it is a good place to come and visit and stay for awhile.
My sisters will now give you a picture of Francis the Fish. Show them
the t-shirts. If would like to have one of your own they are only $18.00.
The story Francis wants to tell is one of unity and that we are proud
of our region, the people who make up our area, and that the history, culture and natural beauty here is unique throughout
the world.
The salmon: Represents a strong Native symbol and also the Miramichi
River, which is known the world over as the Salmon fishing Capital of the world.
Such people as past Presidents and Prime Ministers, Celebrities, Royalty
and Sports heroes have visited our river. 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 Miramichi.
A Scottish Tam: represents the strong Scottish culture within our region
and with the Scottish games and festival
The Acadian Flag: This symbol is a very strong representation of the
history and culture within our region of the Acadian people. The Acadian people represent some 30% of the population of our
region and the WEE ONES attend the local French School, Ecole Carrefour Beausoleil.
The Eagle Feathers: The eagle feathers represent a very strong symbol
to the local native culture, both from medicine and ceremonial aspects. The native peoples taught us how to survive the harsh
winters we can have here and it is because of them being good neighbors that we have thrived to this day.
The Bag Pipes: Represents the Celtic roots within our region, Irish,
English and Scottish cultures.
The Shamrock: The shamrock represents the strong Irish culture within
our region and the history and culture attached. Beaubears and Middle Islands have a deep history for our region and the fact
that many people died on these Islands, many survived despite the hardships and shows the strength and character of the people
in our region.
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 Miramichi region.
We, the Wee Ones, are asking you to consider that Francis the Fish become
the Official Mascot for our region and are asking you to support Francis and our future.
We have “Flipped for Francis” and hope you do too.
Thank you very much for this opportunity and your time.
