To mark yesterday’s National Acadian Day, Historica Canada released a new Heritage Minute that tells the story of the Acadian Deportation.
In 1755, more than 150 years after arriving in Nova Scotia, Acadians were told the British Crown was confiscating their land and possessions. The ensuing deportation lasted eight years, as soldiers rounded up terrified civilians, burned their homes and crops, and forcibly removed over 10,000 Acadians from the Maritimes. The new Heritage Minute tells their story of tragedy and resilience.
Descendants of early French settlers, Acadians developed a new culture and set of customs over many generations. They called themselves “Acadians,” to distinguish themselves from newer French settlers and to distance themselves from the French crown.
Nevertheless, Acadians were targeted in the escalating tensions between French and British ahead of the Seven Years War. Many were sent to the American colonies and England, while others led resistances and fled to New France.
By 1763, the Acadians could return to their homeland provided they live in small communities and pledge loyalty to the British crown. These communities dot the Maritime landscape today, and Acadian culture and traditions endure.
“The story of the Acadian expulsion is often overlooked in our history,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “We’re proud to share this with Canadians, and to enhance awareness of their story.”
The “Acadian Deportation” Heritage Minute was filmed in Annapolis Royal, the site of the initial Acadian settlement, and Canning, Nova Scotia, on beaches where the actual deportations occurred.
