In West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, the significance of National Acadian Day goes beyond mere festivities, according to Rébécca-Sarah Potvin. She emphasized that the day is crucial for the preservation of culture.
Potvin, as the executive director of the historical site L’Acadie de Chezzetcook, which is commemorating its 30th anniversary this year, expressed the desire to expand and delve deeper into the history of L’Acadie Chezzetcook.
The event drew a crowd on Saturday to mark the occasion with music, a barbecue, and demonstrations of traditional Acadian practices such as butter churning and clam shelling. Notable figures present included Canada’s Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, and Coun. David Hendsbee.
Cameron DeBaie, chair of L’Acadie Chezzetcook, highlighted that the 30th anniversary signifies a significant stride in rejuvenating and safeguarding Acadian heritage and the French language within Chezzetcook.
Reflecting on his upbringing, DeBaie shared the story of how his grandmother spoke French but refrained from using it publicly, while his mother never learned the language. However, he noted a renewed appreciation for cultural roots among the younger generation.
Shirley Doucette Lowe, a community member and volunteer at the Acadian House Museum, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving language and culture, especially among the youth in the community.
She mentioned the positive impact of the French school at École des Beaux-Marais in Porters Lake, now under the administration of Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, which took over in 2011. Premier Tim Houston’s announcement in 2023 regarding the construction of a new school for francophone students further reinforces this commitment.
To address the decline in French language usage among students during summer breaks, Potvin highlighted the revival of French summer camps in the community. DeBaie reminisced about his own participation in a French camp years ago and expressed joy at its revival, echoing the sentiments of the community’s youth who value linguistic heritage.
Potvin emphasized that while the celebrations are confined to a single day, opportunities abound throughout the year for Nova Scotians to explore the rich history of West Chezzetcook and the province’s Acadian legacy.