Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join descendants of Canada’s first French settlers in New Brunswick to celebrate National Acadian Day today, commemorating nearly four centuries of their presence in Eastern Canada despite persecution and mass deportations.
Trudeau, accompanied by two federal cabinet ministers and the premier of New Brunswick, will be in Caraquet on Monday to participate in the 37th annual tintamarre parade.
The Acadian people were the earliest settlers in Canada. In the early 17th century they established farms and communities in what is now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Eventually, as a result of the ongoing conflict between France and Britain for control of eastern North America, the French-speaking Acadians were forced into exile by the victorious British forces. It is known as the Great Upheaval.
“Despite many hardships, Acadians have showed strength in maintaining their distinct identity over the centuries,” Trudeau said.
“Their determination and resilience have been visible throughout history, and have preserved a vibrant culture, a rich set of customs, and a beautiful language that continue to enrich our country today.”
For more than 400 years, Acadians have contributed in French to Canadian society, said in a statement federal Heritage Minister Melanie Joly, who will join Trudeau in Caraquet.
“In this way, they have enriched our history and heritage, while perfectly embodying Canada’s diversity.” Joly said. “Their unique cultural role has resonated particularly in the fields of music, poetry, literature and theatre throughout Canada and around the world.”
The Acadian presence wasn’t always appreciated in Canada.
For ten years, beginning in the summer of 1755, British forces rounded up and put on ships over 11,000 people to be taken to the other 13 colonies, communities down the eastern coast of the United States. Families were separated as many were forced on to France and still more to Louisiana in the southern United States. Many more Acadians fled south to what is now Maine, and west to what is now Quebec.
National Acadian Day, which was created during the first Convention of the Acadians in 1881, is officially held on August 15 of every year, although celebrations are often held on the weekend.
The federal government recognized the day in 2003 when it passed the National Acadian Day Act.
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