Acadian Heritage Recognized at Province House

In honour of l'Année de l'Acadie, the Acadian flag was raised at Province House on Friday, April 2, and will be displayed throughout this year's Acadian festivities.

"The colourful Acadian flag represents the vibrant heritage of our Acadian people," said Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Throughout the year a series of celebrations will take place across Atlantic Canada in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the founding of l'Acadie."

The first Acadian flag was designed in 1883 by Father Marcel- François Richard and is conserved at the Musée Acadien de l'Université de Moncton, in Moncton, N.B. The tri-colour flag of France (blue, white and red) was chosen as the base flag as it has a special significance in French history. A yellow/gold star was placed in the upper part of the blue field, to give it the Acadian distinction.

Part of the year-long anniversary celebrations will include le Congrès mondial acadien from July 31 to Aug. 15. During this time Acadians from throughout the world will be returning to their roots in Nova Scotia.

"It is especially fitting that we have the Acadian flag displayed during this important gathering of people of Acadian heritage in our province," said Premier John Hamm.

In Nova Scotia, the major Acadian communities are within the municipalities of Argyle, Clare and Pomquet, Richmond County, the South Shore and Cheticamp, Inverness Co. There are also numerous Acadians in Sydney, Halifax and the Annapolis Valley.