Lakeshore (North Bay) Travelodge

Cultural Sensitivity, Please

by Kaspian

Despite other rumours, the population of North Bay consists primarily of people of Scottish, Irish, French-Canadian, and Native descent--not necessarily in that particular order. (Just take a peek at a local phone book.) I've seen quite a few tourists unknowingly use terms that aren't very popular here; so I'm only mentioning all this for their benefit. When speaking of the indigenous people of the area, the proper term to use in this neck of the woods is "Native" or "Aboriginal", not "Indian". Likewise, we use the term "French-Canadian", not just "French", when speaking of people or heritage. "French" refers to either the language itself or an actual person from France. (i.e., A book is written in French but it is being read by a French-Canadian.) "Franglais" is a term which is mostly used affectionately to describe a kind of half-English/half-French mixed way of speaking that some of the locals have. But it could also be misinterpreted. Personally, I'm mostly bilingual, and that's something I really like about our city--the diversity of the people.
I'm just going to mention one more thing quickly--never, ever call anybody here a "frog"; come to think of it--best to stay away from using that word altogether... unless you really do have a tiny green amphibian in your hand. Maybe this tip should be under the "Warnings or Dangers" heading as well. 'Nuff said about this touchy subject.