Située au cœur de Nelson, au 807, rue Baker, la Maison de l’AFKO est un espace communautaire francophone ouvert aux francophones et francophiles de tous âges.
Un lieu pour se rencontrer, apprendre, travailler, créer et partager, et faire vivre la langue française et les cultures francophones dans les Kootenays Ouest.
Depuis 1986, l’AFKO rassemble et soutient la communauté francophone de la région.
L’AFKO est bien plus qu’un lieu à Nelson. Une communauté francophone qui rayonne dans les Kootenays Ouest : Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Rossland, Balfour, Kaslo, Slocan Valley, Nakusp, Revelstoke, Salmo, Creston, East Shore, Christina Lake et Grand Forks.
L’AFKO compte aujourd’hui près de 200 membres à travers les Kootenays Ouest.
Une communauté vivante, bien au-delà des murs de la Maison de l’AFKO.
**Visuel réalisé par Galette Lalonde, responsable de l’atelier de sérigraphie de l’AFKO.**
L’AFKO participe tout au long de l’année à différents événements dans les Kootenays Ouest afin d’aller à la rencontre des communautés et de faire vivre la francophonie dans la région.
Vous souhaitez organiser un événement en français? L’AFKO peut vous accompagner et mettre à votre disposition un kit organisateur avec des ressources pour vous aider à préparer votre événement.
Gardez l’œil ouvert : nous serons présents à plusieurs événements dans la région au cours de l’année.
Looking for a relaxed way to practice your French with others?
The Kootenay French Club is a conversation group guided by Célia, our French teacher. Geared toward people who have an intermediate to advanced level, it’s a friendly space to practice French, build confidence, meet other francophones and francophiles.
Whether you want to brush up on your French, become more comfortable speaking, or simply enjoy a conversation in French, everyone is welcome.
*Conversation groups will run with a minimum of 3 participants.
A confirmation will be sent before each session.
Want to join us? Ask to be added to our WhatsApp group! It’s the easiest way to confirm your attendance for the week you’d like to join, receive confirmation from the teacher, and ask any questions you may have about the sessions.
Originally from Bordeaux, France, Célia has been living in Canada since 2013 and in Nelson since 2018. With a Master’s degree in Sports with a focus on Education, she has been supporting French learners at AFKO since 2022. She also works as a substitute teacher in local schools.
Her approach is centered on communication, confidence and individual progress.
She adapts her lessons to each learner’s needs, using a mix of authentic materials, games, digital tools and her own teaching resources to make learning practical and engaging.
Follow Célia on Instagram: @learnfrenchwithcelia
There are many ways to connect with French, whether you’re here to learn the language, to enjoy the culture, or simply to be part of the community.
*Francophone = French-speaking person, through their first language.
*Francophile = someone who learned French or has an interest in French language and culture.
807 Baker Street, Nelson.
The AFKO Centre is a warm and welcoming space where you can read, work, create, meet people and connect with the francophone community.
Inside, you’ll find:
Whether you want to attend a workshop, work on a project, do your homework, read quietly, work, have a meeting, or get involved in a community project, you’re welcome at AFKO. Membership is required to borrow books, games and equipment, to use the centre regularly, or to use the space for professional or business.
Over 3,000 books in French!
Our French-language library is located at the AFKO Centre and includes books for children and adults, as well as French board games.
You can also browse our collection online through TinyCat, our virtual library catalogue, and discover what’s available before you visit.
AFKO members can borrow items from the collection.
Connect with French speakers and learners in the Kootenays, share, ask questions, discover local activities and stay connected with the community.
Everyone is welcome! You don’t need to be bilingual or speak perfect French to join us.
Something is always happening!
From cultural events and workshops to community gatherings and celebrations, there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet people.
AFKO is a non-profit organization, and every membership helps support our work and keep our community spaces, programs and activities going.
As an AFKO member, you can:
*Membership types and voting rights may vary.
Want to use the AFKO Centre for your business or group?
If you would like to regularly use or rent the AFKO Centre for personal, professional or community activities, an User-Payer Membership may be the right option.
Stay connected with AFKO and keep up with upcoming events, activities and community news. Subscribe to our newsletter!
