National Acadian Day
August 15 marks National Acadian Day, a vibrant cultural celebration for the Acadian people throughout Canada and particularly in Nova Scotia. It commemorates the rich heritage and history of Acadian communities, descendants of French settlers who arrived in the 17th century.
This August, Nova Scotia is celebrating our first Acadian Heritage Month, and Acadian culture and hospitality is on full display throughout the province.
The Acadians have a unique identity, shaped by their resilience in the face of adversity, including the Great Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) of 1755-1764, where thousands were forcibly removed from their homes by the British at a time when human rights were not protected by law as they are now.
In Nova Scotia, National Acadian Day holds particular importance as the province was a central hub for early Acadian settlements. Events highlight the vibrant Acadian culture through music, dance, food, and traditional customs. The day also fosters a sense of community and identity among generations of Acadians, promoting the preservation and revitalization of the French language, traditions and cultural practices.
In regions like Clare, Argyle, and elsewhere, Acadian heritage is particularly strong, and festivities serve as a reminder of the community's historical roots and contributions to the province's development. This year these communities will host the 2024 Congrès mondial acadien (CMA) from August 10-18. I encourage all Nova Scotians to take this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Acadian culture and hospitality.
National Acadian Day not only honors the past but also looks to the future, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and the ongoing contributions of the Acadian people to the broader Canadian mosaic. It is a day of pride, reflection, and celebration, reinforcing the cultural tapestry of Nova Scotia and ensuring that the Acadian legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
The preceding is a statement from Joseph Fraser, Director & CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
Heritage Minutes: Acadian Deportation
A Brief History of the Acadians (and their food) in Nova Scotia
Resources
- Our Community, Acadian Affairs and Francophonie
- Acadian Cinema – National Film Board of Canada
- National Acadian Day, NS Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
- National Acadian Day, Government of Canada
- Acadian Culture & History, Halifax Public Libraries
- Acadian Heartland: Records of the Deportation and Le Grand Dérangement, 1714-1768
- Acadian Culture, The Canadian Encyclopedia
- Five Things You Might Not Know About Acadia
- The Acadians, Timeline (via CBC)
- Acadians – Library and Archives Canada
- Acadian Deportation, Migration, and Resettlement – University of Maine
- The Link Between the Acadians and Cajun Culture