In West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, Rébécca-Sarah Potvin emphasizes that National Acadian Day goes beyond mere celebrations; it is about the preservation of culture. As the executive director of the historic site L’Acadie de Chezzetcook, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Potvin expressed the desire to expand and share more about the area’s history.
During the event, attended by numerous individuals, there were musical performances, a barbecue, and showcases of Acadian customs like butter making and clam harvesting. Notable figures such as Canada’s Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, and Coun. David Hendsbee were also present.
Cameron DeBaie, chair of L’Acadie Chezzetcook, highlighted the significance of the 30th anniversary in advancing the revitalization and protection of Acadian heritage and the French language in Chezzetcook. He reflected on past generations’ struggles with preserving the language and expressed optimism about the current generation’s strong connection to their roots.
Shirley Doucette Lowe, a community member and volunteer at the Acadian House Museum, shared her involvement in the establishment of L’Acadie Chezzetcook in 1996 and its ongoing conservation efforts. She stressed the importance of cultural discussions and language revival, especially among the younger population.
One initiative supporting this revival is the French school at École des Beaux-Marais in Porters Lake, overseen by Conseil scolaire acadien provincial since 2011. Plans for a new school for francophone students in the community were announced by Premier Tim Houston in 2023.
Potvin mentioned the reinstatement of French summer camps in response to the observation that francophone students often refrain from speaking French during the summer. These camps, like the one Willow DeBaie’s sister is attending, aim to foster language skills and cultural appreciation among youth.
While the festivities of National Acadian Day are limited to a single day, Potvin highlighted year-round opportunities for Nova Scotians to delve deeper into West Chezzetcook’s history and the province’s Acadian heritage.
