Nova Scotia Celebrates Provincial Acadian Day

Acadian Day is a welcome opportunity to honour people who helped shape this province's history, and a culture that continues to provide a rich and lasting influence, Premier John Hamm and Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont said today, Aug. 12.

Monday, Aug. 15 will mark the second annual celebration of Provincial Acadian Day.

"This August 15th is a day for us to formally recognize and take pride in the Acadian community -- a community which has proven to be one of the strongest and most enduring," said Premier Hamm. "Acadian Day honours the Acadians' contributions to our province and is an occasion for everyone to recognize their culture and achievements."

This year, Acadian Day falls on the heels of a series of events held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the order that had Acadians deported from Nova Scotia in 1755. It is also on the final day of the oldest running Acadian Festival, le Festival Acadian de Clare, which turned 50 this year.

The Acadian community in Nova Scotia has many reasons to celebrate, including the success of the Congrès Mondial Acadian in 2004, the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first European settlers to the country, and the proclamation of a new French-language services law.

"We are happy to be able to celebrate our rich heritage with the rest of the province, as well as with our Acadian friends from Louisiana and from other parts of the world," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Since 1881, Acadians have recognized Aug. 15 as their national holiday. In 2004, the Nova Scotia legislature unanimously passed Bill 51, enshrining Aug. 15 as Provincial Acadian Day.