MOTION 11 DES MEMBRES DE L’ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE

WHEREAS during the 17'h century settlers came from different parts of france to a region of the New World they called l'Acadie, now known as the Canadian Maritimes and the eastern portion of Maine:

AND WHEREAS for more than a century. the Acadians were able to maintain their self-contained lifestyle. enjoying large familles and peaceful

' communities. strengthened by a devotion to their faith:

AND WHEREAS the development of an Acadian colony soon met with political interference, with subsequent territorial wars being waged over several decades by france and England:

AND WHEREAS under the orders and plan of the Lieutenant General. Governor Lawrence of Nova Scotia, following

the decree of the King of England, the British Council at Halifax unanimously decided to deport the Acadians:

AND WHEREAS the Deportation order began with a proclamation issued at

3 pm on September 5, 1755 at the Catholic Church in Grand Pre:

AND WHEREAS sadness and misery characterized this infamous Deportation, known as The Great Upheaval. which continued unabated over a period of eight years from 1755 to 1763:

AND WHEREAS approximater 11.000 Acadians were deported from the Maritimes:

AND WHEREAS although some were sent to france and England. most Acadians wound up scattered through the American colonies:

DE L’ÎLE-DU-PRINCE ÉDOUARD LE 15 DÉCEMBRE 2005 EN COMMÉMORATION DU «GRAND DÉRANGEMENT»

AND WHEREAS following the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Acadians were given permission to return to the Maritime provinces. provided they pledged allegiance to the British Crown and remained in small isolated groups:

AND WHEREAS Acadians today comprise nearly one-third ot‘ the Island’s population, forming a vibrant and dynamic presence on the economic. political, artistic and cultural scenes:

AND WHEREAS in 2002. the Acadians of Prince Edward Island welcomed the proclamation of

the provincial government's french Language Services Act that Quarantees. among other things. judicial services in french:

AND WHEREAS preservation of the Acadian language and culture has been one of the most effective tools to ensure the future of the Acadian people:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the members of this Assembly. and indeed all Islanders. join together this year in commemoratiOn of the 250'h anniversary

of the Great Upheaval:

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sovernment of Prince Edward Island remain committed to promotîng and preserving the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Acadians.

Patrick Binns

Wilfred Arsenault

LA PETITE SOUVENANCE

2008