Gov. Janet Mills has been awarded the French Legion of Honor for her efforts to promote French language and culture in Maine, her office said Tuesday. 

Mills received the medal from French Ambassador Laurent Bili last week in Portland. The Legion of Honor is the highest order of merit for military and civil achievements awarded by the French Republic. It dates to 1802 and was established by Napoleon Bonaparte. 

“Madame la Gouverneure, your staunch commitment to partnering with France has created this special relationship that resonates throughout your state,” Bili said in a statement released by Mills’ office. “Your efforts to promote the French language are vital to keeping our shared culture alive, for generations to come.” 

Mills, who is fluent in French, announced in 2022 two major initiatives to digitize historical French records, and has spoken at several events honoring Maine’s Franco-American heritage throughout her time in office, according to a Tuesday press release. 

“French accents, cuisine, and culture can be found in every town in Maine from Biddeford to Fort Kent — and that is because French ancestry is so deeply intertwined with Maine,” Mills said. “As Governor, I’ve been proud to recognize, honor and promote Maine’s rich Francophone heritage.” 

More than one-third of Maine’s population is Franco-American and French is the second-most spoken language in Maine.