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provinces were rounded up and crowded into British ships to be scattered among the l3 colonies t0 the south. Many died at sea. The rest were dropped off with nothing to sustain them at arbitrary points along the coast. Families were divided. Some were absorbed into the future American melting pot. 0thers made itto the Catholic Spanish colony of Louisiana, where they created what is known today as the Cajun culture. Those that escaped t0 Cape Breton and Prince Edward lsland suffered a second expulsion in 1758 when the British captured those French holdings. Ûver the years, many Acadians made their way back, searching t0 reunite with their families. One group spent seven years in internment camps in England, then were shipped to France, where they couldn't adjust t0 the rigid European system, and finally, atter 20 years in exile, returned to their homeland.

C 'est principalement la détermination, le courage et la résiliance qui ont formé le caractère de notre peuple. Aujourd’hui, nous reconnaissons les épreuves,

les souffrances et les torts faits aux Acadiens et aux Acadiennes lors du Grand dérangement de l755jusqu’en I762.

lt’s mainly determination, courage and resilience which have given the character of our people. Today, we recognize the ordeals, sutfering and harm experienced by the Acadians during the Great Upheaval from i755 to 1762.

ll y a deux semaines, nous avons eu l’honneur d'avoir un représentant de la communauté autochtone ici a‘ [Assemblée législative. Col/activement, nous avons honoré les soldats autochtones. Plus de 50% des hommes autochtones ont servi lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Les Autochtones n’ont jamais été reconnus pour leur contribution. lls ont bien défendu le Canada. Plusieurs ont perdu la vie. A leur retour au Canada, ils n’avaient pas même le droit de voter. lls ne recevaient pas les

mêmes prestations que les autres vétérans du Canada.

Two weeks ago, we had the honour of having a representative ot the Aboriginal community here in the Legislative Assembly. Collectively, we honoured Aboriginal soldiers. More than 50% of Aboriginal men served in the Second

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World War, but the Aboriginals were never recognized for their contribution. They defended Canada well and several Iosttheir lives, but they didn't even have the right to vote upon their return to Canada. They did not even receive the same benefits as other Canadian veterans.

Il y a 400 ans, les Autochtones ont joué un rôle humanitaire auprès de la population acadienne qui venait d’arriver. Les hivers étaient durs et les Acadiens n’étaient pas acc/imatés, arrivant de la France.

Four hundred years ago, when the Acadian population arrived, Aboriginals provided them humanitarian help. The winters were harsh and Acadians were not used to the climate, having arrived trom France.

Aboriginals, and more particularly, the Mi’kmaq, were extremely humanitarian, neighbourly and helpful t0 Acadians. Winters were hard and long compared t0 the European climates. That is why we Acadians still today have a bond with the Mi'kmaq ot Prince Edward lsland, and the same is evident in the other Maritime provinces. The Mi’kmaq were successful in helping some Acadian families hide, and this explains why a few families escaped deportation.

Last year, we celebrated the 400‘h anniversary ofthe arrival of Acadians on the Nonh American continent. This event was very successful. Many Acadians searched for their roots. Acadians from around the world celebrated their culture.

The Acadian population has made strides on Prince Edward Island. Traditionally, every family supported themselves by tarming or fishing or a combination of both. It is only in the early19"‘centurythatother business ventures came about. Today, there is an Acadian Chamber of Commerce. This has heen a trentendous accomplishment.

ln my opinion, this gesture has officially placed a seal of confidence within

the Acadian business community. The Acadian business community has earned and maintains its place within the lsland business community. The Acadian Business Chamber of Commerce has realized that a business relationship with the entire lsland business community is mutually beneficial.

The same can be said with the cultural

LA PETITE SOUVENANCE

sector and every other sector of our community. Music and dance has been

a tradition from day one in the Acadian community — that is, from 400 years ago. Through the years, a lot of these cultural activities have happened in the form of kitchen parties, but this has evolved. Recently, and certainly since 20 years ago, we have seen such an evolution. lndividual artists, along with groups like Angèle Arsenault, like Barachois, like Eddie and Armand Arsenault, have heen instrumental in promoting culture and managed t0 commercialize theirtalents, and also managed t0 promote Prince Edward lsland as well.

Évidement, des artistes comme Angèle Arsenault et Barachois ont motivé

nos gens et ils se sont développés professionnellement. Un autre pionnier est monsieur Paul D. Gallant, maintenant un résident du Cap-Breton. l/ a joué un rôle instrumental pour encourager nos gens à se devancer et à développer leurs talents artistiques.

Evidently, artists like Angèle Arsenault and Barachois have motivated our people and they have developed professionally. Another pioneer is Mr. Paul D. Gallant, now a resident of Cape Breton. He was instrumental in encouraging our people to advance and develop their artistic talents.

ln closing - and l realize there are other members that wish t0 speak t0 this resolution - l want to state thatl am proud to second this resolution. This resolution recognizes the sufferings and hardships of the Acadians during this Great Upheaval, and also recognizes the determination of the Acadian population t0 move forward

in forging its future and keep its place as equals living in harmony with all cultures in Prince Edward Island.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some Hon. Members: Hear, hearl

Speaker (Deighan): The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

Leader of the Opposition: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

l'd like t0 congratulate especially the seconder of this motion, the hon. Member for Evangeline-Miscouche, who is from

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