Provincial Acadian Day Proclaimed

Aug. 15 will now officially be known as Provincial Acadian Day in Nova Scotia.

An Act to Establish a Provincial Acadian Day was introduced in the House of Assembly today, April 16, by Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont.

"The Acadian community has contributed greatly to the economic, social and cultural development of this province," said Mr. d'Entremont. "It is very timely that Provincial Acadian Day be proclaimed this year as Acadians from around the world come to Nova Scotia to celebrate the 400th anniversary of their arrival in North America."

This year Provincial Acadian Day will fall on the final day of the Congrès mondial acadien festivities. The Congrès mondial acadien, a family reunion of Acadians from around the world, takes place throughout the province from July 31 to Aug. 15.

Since 1881, Acadians have recognized Aug. 15 as their national holiday. It has been proclaimed National Acadian day by the federal government. On Oct. 24, 2003, Premier John Hamm also proclaimed 2004 as l'Année de l'Acadie.