Jeremy Hansen. A Canadian astronaut. Made history during the Artemis II mission by speaking French from nearly 125,000 miles away, a moment that resonated deeply with many in Canada. On day three of the mission. The Integrity spacecraft journeyed toward the moon, Hansen addressed a camera with the words ‘Bonjour tout le monde,’ translating to ‘Hello all of the world.’ This marked the first time in history that the French language was spoken en route to the moon, according to a Canadian parliamentarian.

A Linguistic Row and Public Relations Crisis

Hansen’s decision to use French came in the aftermath of a significant linguistic row involving Canada’s flagship airline, Air Canada. The airline’s former CEO, Michael Rousseau, faced widespread criticism after he spoke only two words of French in a video tribute to two pilots killed in a fatal collision. One of the pilots was a native French speaker, and the incident was seen as a snub to the 80% of Quebec’s population who are francophones.

Rousseau’s failure to speak French, despite having a francophone mother and wife, was viewed as lacking judgment and compassion, according to Canada’s prime minister. This incident highlighted the deep connection between language and politics in Canada, as well as the cultural significance of French in the country.

Astronaut’s Effort Sparks National Pride

Weeks after the controversy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Hansen as the Artemis crew traveled toward the moon. He commended Hansen for speaking French in space and expressed pride in his efforts. Carney spoke French to the astronaut, saying, ‘Proud of what you’re doing … We’ve all been watching and inspired by what you’re doing.’

The exchange between two anglophones, speaking French with heavy accents, was widely appreciated by Canadians. Stéphanie Chouinard, a professor of political science at Canada’s Royal Military College, noted that the effort to speak French, even with imperfections, resonated with francophones across the country. ‘The expectation here is not perfection, it’s effort and respect,’ she said.

Hansen learned French in school and achieved a high level of proficiency to graduate from the Royal Military College. He continues to use French in public outreach events and answers questions in both languages. For many, Hansen represents a commitment to bilingualism, in contrast to Rousseau’s perceived optional approach to the language.

Cultural Connections and Representation

Hansen has spoken about his desire to represent Canadians accurately and has built close relationships with Indigenous elders to understand the cultural significance of the 13 moon calendar shared by the Anishinaabe, Cree, and Haudenosaunee cultures. This calendar guides planting, harvesting, hunting, and gathering.

The Artemis II mission launched during Ziisbaakdoke Giizis, which means the sugar marking moon in Anishinaabemowin—a time of renewal when the maple sap runs. Hansen’s custom patch, designed by the Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond, symbolized the journey around ‘Grandmother Moon,’ reflecting the ‘cycle of life.’

Hansen’s efforts to connect with Indigenous communities and his use of French have been seen as role models for young Canadians. ‘Aside from firefighters, astronauts are probably the profession that children most look up to. And for Hansen to put himself out there and to make that effort – and to show that it’s always a work in progress – is the best kind of role modeling you can hope for,’ said Chouinard.

Recent developments in artificial intelligence and wearable technology have led some to question the importance of learning a second language. However, Hansen’s deliberate choice to speak French, with the world watching, highlighted the deep cultural component of learning and respecting another language. ‘Language is a tool of information, exchange and communication. But it’s so much more than that,’ said Chouinard. ‘Anyone who decides to learn to speak another language than their own, realizes the extent to which any language comes with a specific conception of the world and the universe around us.’

Hansen’s journey to the moon and his commitment to representing Canada have inspired many. His efforts have helped heal wounds from the recent linguistic row and have shown that language is not just a means of communication, but a bridge to understanding and respect.