The Émile Chanoux Foundation
An institute in Aosta for the study of federalism and autonomy
Émile Chanoux spent his whole life defending the autonomy of the Aosta Valley against a centralising state. Arrested by the Fascists, he died in prison in 1944. In 1994 a foundation bearing his name was set up to carry on his work and make his ideas known. It is based in Aosta, in the Maison Bariller on Rue Croix-de-Ville.
Federalism and regionalism
The Foundation’s main aim is to spread the principles of federalism and regionalism. It studies the history of the Aosta Valley. It organises lectures and conferences, and publishes research. All of this serves to raise awareness of questions of regional autonomy and cultural diversity.
Its areas of work
- History. The Foundation studies the valley’s past closely. This research sheds light on today’s debates and on the region’s identity.
- Training. It offers courses and seminars for students, researchers and elected representatives, to deepen their knowledge of federalism.
- Publications. It publishes books, articles and specialist journals on federalism and regionalism.
- Exchanges. It works with other institutions, in Europe and elsewhere, that are interested in the same subjects.
Some achievements
- The University College of Federalist Studies. This intensive training programme has welcomed many students. They learn the basics of federalism there and reflect on current political questions.
- Franco-Provençal. The Foundation has supported research on the Franco-Provençal patois spoken in the Aosta Valley, to understand it better and keep it alive.
- Chanoux himself. It has published works on the life and writings of Émile Chanoux, which help to understand the politics of his time.
Between two languages
The Foundation also looks beyond the valley. In 2012 it launched a new series of publications to build a bridge between the French-speaking and Italian worlds. It also presents its activities on social media. In 2014 it set out to gather together everything written about Émile Chanoux, to make it available to historians and anyone interested.
Fondation Émile Chanoux
Maison Bariller
16, rue Croix-de-Ville
11100 Aosta
Telephone: +39 333 953 8849
