The Acadian story shows strength, resolve
Roots to the Past
"Only along the shore of the mournful and misty Atlantic linger a few Acadian peasants, whose fathers from exile wandered back to their native land to die in its bosom." - Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Acadians have a huge presence in Atlantic Canada even though they were exiled in 1755. But who were they, where did they settle and where did they go?
Who were they and where did they originate?
Most experts agree that the majority of Acadians originated in the area south of Loudun, France, particularly the Poitou region. They spoke French and were dedicated Catholics.
When did they arrive?
The first arrivals came in 1604, but settlements did not become established until after the Treaty of St. Germain-en-Laye was signed and France regained control of New France (including Acadia) in 1632.
Where did they settle?
The French immigrants settled in Acadia, also spelled ‘Acadie' and ‘LaCadie.' This land included Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and parts of Maine.
The first settlements were established at LaHave, Cape Sable and Port Royal, N.S., the Saint John River, N.B. and Pentagouet (near present day Castine, Maine). By the 1700s, many other settlements were created including those along the Minas Basin (Grand Pre), at Chignecto Bay (Beaubassin, currently Fort Lawrence) and the Maccan and Memramcook Rivers.
What happened?
Both England and France claimed Acadia and although several treaties were signed, the war did not end until England took possession in 1713 with the Treaty of Utrecht. Now under English rule, the Acadians refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Queen of England.
The Acadians had a legitimate concern. They feared for their religious freedom (the English were mainly Protestant) and were worried they would have to fight against the French and the Indians (with whom the French intermarried and whom they had converted to their religion).
But to be fair, the English had the right to know the Acadians would be loyal to them in future conflicts against France.
Eventually, the English told the Acadians if they did not take the oath, they would have to leave. The Acadians chose to leave and resettle at Isle Royale (Cape Breton), which was ruled by France. However, the English blocked every means for them to leave because if they left, the English would lose a large settlement that contributed to the economy while France's economy would be boosted.
Without the knowledge of the English government, Governor Charles Lawrence began deporting the Acadians in 1755. He simply didn't want the Acadians in his province.
Where did they go?
The Acadians were exiled to many places around the globe including England, France, the New England States, Louisiana and other locations in Canada, including Ile St. Jean (PEI) and Newfoundland. Some managed to escape while others found their way back to Acadia.
Are there Acadian census records?
Yes (www.acadian-cajun.com/genac1.htm). The first census was taken in 1671. Although it is estimated the population of Acadia was about 500 individuals, only 392 people were counted. Several censuses were taken from 1678 to 1752.
Where can I find further Information?
Acadian - Cajun: Genealogy and History: http://www.acadian-cajun.com/index.htm
Fort Lawrence / Beaubassin - Heritage Association: http://users.eastlink.ca/~flbha/Index.htm
Acadian Roots Club: www.acadian-roots.com/frames.html
History of the Codroy Valley (Nfld.'s Grand Banks): http://ngb.chebucto.org/Articles/h001.shtml
Researcher's file
Heritage Day, Hatfield Point Baptist Church auditorium, Hatfield Point, NB: August 23, 2008: Hosted by the Kings County Historical & Archival Society. Events including a genealogy fair (2 p.m.), old-fashioned games (3 p.m.), pot-luck supper (5 p.m.) and ghost walk of Loyalist families in Bayview Cemetery (6 p.m.).
A Loyalist exhibit will also be on display. For more information, contact the Kings County Museum at kingscm@nbnet.nb.ca or Nancy Meech; phone: 506-832-7244; e-mail: wacmeech@nbnet.nb.ca
Diana Lynn Tibert is a freelance writer living in Milford, NS. Submit a query. It's free!: RR#1 Milford, Hants County, NS, B0N 1Y0; e-mail: tibert@ns.sympatico.ca
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To given license to the British for their heinous acts is to legitimize Indian residential schools, where no one has yet been brought to trial for genocidal acts. And what Acadians were put through was equally genocide.
Acadians were a peaceful lot, neutral. They were farmers, who had
tilled the soil and opened up considerable tracts of land, land taken over and meted out to those in favour.
Within two years of the Deportation over half the Acadian population had died, while many others were enslaved. If we're going to deal with history, let's do just that and in no way gloss things over or make allowances for the horrors involved.