2004 Proclaimed as l'Année de l'Acadie

In recognition of the 400th anniversary of the founding of l'Acadie, Premier John Hamm proclaimed 2004 as l'Année de l'Acadie.

Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Acadian Affairs, made the announcement today, Oct. 24, at the annual general meeting of the Société Acadie Nouvelle-Écosse 2004.

"I'm very pleased to recognize that 400 years ago French explorers visited the shores of Nova Scotia and laid the foundation for the future colony of l'Acadie," said Premier Hamm. "Acadian culture is an important part of our ancestry. Next year, Nova Scotia will open its doors to the world and welcome all Acadians to where it all began, the birthplace of l'Acadie".

"This important recognition places l'Acadie at the forefront of 2004", said Allister Surette, president of the Société Acadie Nouvelle-Écosse. "We are very pleased to associate ourselves with this celebration which reminds us of the valuable contribution of Nova Scotia's l'Acadie to this province."

The société is the organizer of the Congrès mondial acadien, a family reunion of Acadians from around the world. The event is being held throughout Nova Scotia from July 31 to Aug. 15, 2004.

Acadians are coming to the province to share their heritage and celebrate their culture. As many as 250,000 people are expected to visit Nova Scotia for the event.

"I am very proud of my Acadian background and am looking forward to seeing again and meeting my Acadian cousins and friends from all over the world in 2004," said Mr. d'Entremont.

At the two previous world congresses, in New Brunswick in 1994 and Louisiana in 1999, family reunions were the focal point of the celebrations.

Congrès mondial acadien 2004 is a world-class event giving Acadians from around the world an opportunity to meet, exchange and celebrate the Acadian culture.