It’s National Acadian Day in Canada
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 15, 2021 – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Minister Steven Guilbeault and Minister Mélanie Joly today issued statements on National Acadian Day.
“Today, we celebrate the rich Acadian heritage and the outstanding contributions that Acadians make to our national fabric,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
“August 15 is a special day for the Acadian people. It is a time to celebrate their culture, their traditions and the French language, one of Canada’s two official languages. Acadians have a turbulent history, but they have always been resilient, and they have shaped the country through their perseverance and leadership that transcends our borders,” said Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Heritage and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement to honour Acadians: “The history of the Acadians is one of extraordinary resilience and perseverance. Braving exile, forced displacement, and discrimination, the Acadians have succeeded over centuries in making their culture, traditions, and language survive and flourish.
“This unique identity is what we are celebrating today. It was 140 years ago that the delegates of the first national Acadian convention in Memramcook chose August 15 for their national holiday. Every year since that historic moment, Acadians – and all those passionate about Acadie – gather to celebrate this vibrant, united community, showing just how well it wears its motto ‘l’union fait la force’ – strength in numbers.
“This year’s national holiday will be no exception. Whether held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, community celebrations will feature traditional meals, concerts, fireworks, and tintamarres to promote Acadian culture and French identity in Acadie.
“These celebrations demonstrate the vitality of our communities and help shape a more open and even more diverse Canada. They are also part of our economic recovery. That’s why the government will continue to support community events and invest in revitalizing tourism, so that we can all discover the great places and activities our country has to offer.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish a happy National Acadian Day to everyone in Canada and around the world celebrating today.”
“Many communities across the country organize activities for National Acadian Day. Tonight, you will also have the opportunity to celebrate wherever you are, thanks to a major production on Radio-Canada,” added Ministers Guilbeault and Joly in their joint statement.
Where was Acadia located
Acadia was a distinctly separate colony of New France. The Acadians are the descendants of the French who settled in Acadia (located in what is now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island as well as parts of east Quebec) during the 17th and 18th centuries. Acadia also included present-day Maine to the Kennebec River, as well as the West coast of Newfoundland.
Who are the Acadians
Acadians primarily came from the southwestern region of France, also known as Occitania, such as the rural areas of Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine (Gascony).
During the French and Indian War (the North American theater of the Seven Years’ War), British colonial officers suspected that Acadians were aligned with France, after finding some Acadians fighting alongside French troops at Fort Beauséjour. Though most Acadians remained neutral during the war, the British, together with New England legislators and militia, carried out the Great Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) of the Acadians between 1755 and 1764. They forcefully deported approximately 11,500 Acadians from the maritime region. Approximately one-third perished from disease and drowning.
Find an event to celebrate National Acadian Day
The celebrations to mark National Acadian Day will enable Acadians from across Canada to get together and celebrate their unique heritage and history. Discover the events happening across the country on our interactive map. Note: If you are planning on attending an activity, make sure you follow the public health guidelines in effect in your area.
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