July 28, 2015 – Church Point, Nova Scotia – The Government of Canada is providing $31,500 to the Société Acadienne de Clare for a monument called Odyssée acadienne de la baie Sainte-Marie and six interpretive plaques to mark the 125th anniversary of Université Sainte-Anne. This funding is being provided under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Quick Facts
- Université Sainte-Anne, Nova Scotia's only French-language post-secondary institution, was founded in 1890.
- The monument will recognize the role played by the university in preserving the French language and Acadian culture of the people of St. Mary's Bay.
- The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Quotes
"Communities across the country are commemorating the people, places and events that have marked their history. These anniversaries bring Canadians together, strengthen our communities, and help us remember and take pride in our shared past. Our Government is proud to invest in these legacy projects."
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
"Université Sainte-Anne has played an important role in this community and for Francophones and Acadians across the province; I am happy this funding will ensure its contribution will not be forgotten."
—Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova)
"On behalf of the Société acadienne de Clare, I thank Canadian Heritage for supporting our Odyssée acadienne monument project. Built on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne, in St. Mary's Bay, this monument will symbolize the resilience of the Acadian people of our region and remind us of the history of the deportation. This monument will also be erected as part of the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of Université Sainte-Anne and will highlight the important role this institution played in preserving the Acadian language and culture of our region."
—Elaine Thimot, Executive Director, Société acadienne de Clare
Associated Links
For more information (media only), please contact:
Marisa Monnin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155