SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — La Société nationale de l'Acadie

Honourable senators, I am very proud to rise today to draw your attention to the presence of the president of the Société nationale de l’Acadie, or SNA, Émile Gallant, its executive director, Émilie Caissie-Richard, and all of the other organization delegates who are here with us today. For over a century, the SNA has been bringing together Acadians from the four Atlantic provinces and acting, both at home and internationally, as an inspiring and steadfast voice for a resilient people with a rich history and culture.

The SNA was founded in 1890 at the third Acadian National Convention, which took place near my home in Pointe-de-l’Église, Nova Scotia, and it has been helping to promote the Acadian community ever since. The fact that the organization has been around for so long, 136 years, is a testament to its ability to always adapt in order to properly represent the changing interests and needs of the Acadian community.

Even today, the SNA plays a key role in promoting and developing Acadian culture and heritage in the Atlantic provinces, across Canada and internationally. One of the SNA’s major achievements includes an event that is near and dear to me. I am very proud to have my name associated with it, having served as chair of the organizing committee for the 2004 and 2024 editions held in Nova Scotia. I am of course talking about the World Acadian Congress, or WAC.

Held every five years since 1994, the World Acadian Congress is the largest gathering of the Acadian diaspora. This event could not happen without the SNA. For example, the SNA is responsible for selecting the host regions and supporting the organizing committees in their preparations.

The SNA also plays a vital role as the political voice of the Acadian people. Its presence here this week is a testament to this long-standing commitment. I would also like to highlight an interesting and deep historical connection between the SNA and the Senate of Canada. The very first Acadian appointed to the Senate in 1885, Senator Pascal Poirier, was also the very first president of the SNA in 1890. In addition, our colleague Senator Cormier also served as president of the SNA before joining the upper chamber.

I wish to salute and express my deepest gratitude to anyone and everyone who helps, has helped or will help sustain and develop this institution, which is essential to Acadia’s vitality.

Thank you and long live Acadia.