(Ottawa) The Government of Canada released a press release on Thursday inviting Canadians to mark the Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval, a sad chapter in the history of the Acadian people.
Posted at 10:41 a.m.
The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, recalls in the press release that on July 28, 1755, the British authorities decreed the order to deport French settlers living on lands of New France which are today Nova Scotia. , New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
About 10,000 Acadians were expelled, separated from their families and sent to Anglo-American colonies, in France or in the Caribbean. Thousands of them could not reach their destination, swept away by famine, disease and the horrible conditions of the journey.
Minister Rodriguez emphasizes that despite the journeys and pitfalls, the Acadian people have shown themselves to be strong, courageous and persevering. Several families have returned to settle in Acadie and their descendants shine.
He therefore invites Canadians to honor the memory of the victims of the Great Upheaval and to highlight their resilience and perseverance, which allowed the survival of Acadian culture and heritage.