Madawaska, Maine – Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, took part today in the National Acadian Day celebrations held during the 2014 Congrès mondial acadien, which was attended by numerous dignitaries from the United States, New Brunswick and Quebec.

Minister Glover joined the crowd for the famous noise parade that was held on Main Street in Madawaska, Maine. She then gave a speech to the crowd on behalf of the Government of Canada a few minutes before the beginning of the big show, Acadie, fille d'Amérique.

The National Acadian Day celebrations are a high point of the 5th Congrès mondial acadien, which lasts until August 24 in Acadia of the Lands and Forests.

Quick facts

• August 15 was chosen as the date for National Acadian Day by delegates at the National Acadian Convention in Memramcook, New Brunswick, in 1881.
• The noise parade (tintamarre) is a public event in which Acadians walk down the street making noise to show their pride, vitality and solidarity.
• Under the theme of “Acadia of the World,” the 5th Congrès mondial acadien is taking place from August 8 to 24 in Acadia of the Lands and Forests. This region comprises three areas: northwestern New Brunswick, Témiscouata in Quebec and Aroostook in Maine.

Quotes

“National Acadian Day is an opportunity to recognize the rich contribution of Acadians to Canada’s history and heritage. Canada’s two official languages are an important part of our identity, and we are indebted to Acadians and other Francophones in Canada who have been the guardians of the French language in the Americas for over 400 years. Today Acadians proudly hold a significant place in the global Francophone community.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover