Guest Speaker:

For more than 25 years, Joseph Dunn’s understanding of Louisiana’s distinct cultures, languages, and heritage has afforded him the opportunity to work at the highest levels of the state’s tourism and cultural industries.

After three years as Executive Director of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), he began work as an independent tourism & cultural entrepreneur in 2014. Currently, his primary role is to oversee the communications, public relations, and marketing efforts at Laura: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site, where he also participates in research projects and the construction of the interpretive narrative of the historic site. 

He has held management positions at the Louisiana Office of Tourism; the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association; the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development; the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; and the Consulate General of France in New Orleans. 

Internationally, Mr. Dunn has twice worked as a product development and interpretation consultant with Parks Canada. While with the Office of Cultural Development and the Lt. Governor's Office, he played an integral role in the early development of the World Cultural Economic Forum. Later, as executive director of CODOFIL, Joseph Dunn led the renegotiation of Louisiana’s cultural and educational accords with the governments of France and Belgium. In 2018, he was a lead contributor to the dossier that led to Louisiana’s admission into the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie as an observer member. 

Joseph Dunn has presented in English and French at conferences, workshops, and political and economic trade missions in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. As a recognized thought-leader in matters related to the social, professional, and economic value of Louisiana’s French and Creole heritage languages, he regularly consults and collaborates on a variety of projects, research, print and broadcast media, and documentaries to that end. 

For his outspoken advocacy and contributions to the development of the French language in Louisiana, Joseph Dunn was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the Republic of France in 2021 and was inducted into the Ordre des francophones d’Amérique by Québec’s Ministry of the French language in 2022. Since January 2024, Mr. Dunn has served as the Honorary Consul of Canada in New Orleans. 

Joseph Dunn will lead us on a riveting journey to discover the many-layered history of the French language in Louisiana and the complex mosaic of populations making up our French and Crèole speaking community. He will discuss the interesting evolution of language politics in Louisiana, the deconstruction of French and Créole dialects, and recent efforts to revitalize these Louisiana heritage languages.

Entertainment:

Les Demoiselles Cécile and Camille Borne Curran will charm with their lovely Concert de la Nouvelle France: Barcarolle, La Marseillaise, et Tu Et Mon Soleil, and Ô Canada, celebrating Louisiana’s deep connection with France and Canada through our shared heritage and language.

Refreshments:

Enjoy Champagne Cocktails and Mint Juleps. French & French fare will be served, including bespoke Crêpes, sweet and savory Brie en Croute, and Doberge cake.

Tickets:

Tickets are available at SpringFiestaNola.com. 35.00 general admission. 

We welcome you to become a member of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association, or kindly renew your membership and enjoy Les Salons et Chansons fantastique! For information, please contact us at SpringFiestaNola.com.

See you at The Townhouse!

The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association is an all-volunteer organization and appreciates your support. Your generous contributions and all event proceeds benefit our educational programs, which support the organization's mission and maintenance of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Townhouse Museum. Thank you.