Acadian Monument Unveiled on Halifax Waterfront

Nova Scotians and visitors to the province have a new reminder of an important chapter of the province's history.

A monument commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Deportation of the Acadians (or the Great Upheaval), was unveiled today, July 28, on the Halifax waterfront. The monument overlooks Georges Island where thousands of Acadians were imprisoned following the Order of Deportation of 1755.

"Today we want to bring attention to the most tragic of events in the history of Acadians, and honour their contribution to the history of Nova Scotia," said Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont. "While the deportation brought tremendous hardship to the families who were separated, it did not succeed in erasing the culture and heritage of the people."

Administrators of the British Colony in Nova Scotia made the decision to deport the Acadian people on July 28, 1755. It is estimated that about 2,000 Acadians were imprisoned on Georges Island during the next 10 years, and thousands were deported to various locations along the eastern seaboard and as far away as Europe. Several of those who were imprisoned on Georges Island died trying to reunite with their families.

"The commemoration of the Deportation, as well as events like the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first French settlers in the province, and the Congrès Mondial Acadien of 2004, have entrenched the importance of their heritage in the hearts of the Acadian people of Nova Scotia," said Napoléon Chiasson, president of the Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, the provincial organisation that represents the interests of Nova Scotia Acadians and French-speaking citizens.

Organized by the fédération and the Office of Acadian Affairs, the unveiling of the monument is part of the international commemoration of the Great Upheaval of the Acadians, lead by the national Acadian organization, the Société Nationale de l’Acadie.

"This represents an opportunity for all Nova Scotians and visitors to come to better appreciate the province's distinct heritage," said Mr. d'Entremont.

The monument is situated beside the boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront between Electropolis and Bishop's Landing.