The controversy over the National Museum of Quebec History (MNHQ) has not reached France, which is grappling with numerous concerns that leave no room for discussion of the recognition of a Quebec national history. Let us remember, during his official speech presenting the opening, in spring 2026, of a National Museum of the History of Quebec (MNHQ) in Quebec City, Prime Minister François Legault announced the creation of a historical route of Quebec for 400 years. Since then, the criticisms have been pouring out, leaving the expert that I am in a state of incomprehension.
Are Quebecers aware of the vulnerability and, above all, the non-recognition of their national history abroad? What do French people know about the history of Quebec? What do they know about the “heroes”, “events” and “significant dates” of this national story which today seems so much criticized by a few elites cut off from popular realities?
Even though this history obviously deserves to leave room for greater inclusiveness and diversity, the fact remains that recognizing it, even in a simple and didactic way, will allow more discussions, debates and meetings. And this, at a time of general decerebration giving way to hatred, violence and the negation of all cultural life for the benefit of unbridled consumerism which has no use for history.
In a context of cultural domination by global broadcasting giants such as Netflix and GAFAM, small cultures are struggling to find their place. Through a museum, the Legault government makes Quebec both visible and readable to numerous foreign visitors, but also to new immigrants who do not always perceive the value of Quebec culture or the use of language. French language on the North American continent.
A visit to a museum, as we know, is an opportunity for an outing or a family, recreational and, above all, educational activity. Educational activities aimed at young people will therefore be crucial at a time when the decline in interest in history is affecting Quebec like other Western societies. Will this museum be an opportunity to share and interact with a young, uninformed audience?
Also Legault added in his speech that history “began with the explorers Cartier, Champlain, who is the founder of our nation”. “There were also great builders, like Jeanne Mance, Marie de l’Incarnation; we also have the presence of indigenous nations who helped us. »
The historian of French-speaking America that I am therefore immediately asked myself this question: none of the historical actors cited by Legault having been born in Quebec, what place will the actors in the history of Quebec occupy being neither Quebecois nor even French Canadians, but subjects of the Kingdom of France? Doesn’t this seemingly naive promotion of French “pioneers” of colonization convey a certain representation of Quebec… and of France?
Will French historians be consulted for this project?