Events

Annually, on July 28th, Canada formally recognizes the little-known tragedy of the Acadian Deportation (le Grand Dérangement), which began in 1755.

Between 1755 and1760, 12,000 Acadians were forcibly deported, their livestock confiscated and destroyed, their villages burned.

Some were sent to New England and the southern colonies, some to England and France, and some to the Caribbean. Others were sold into slavery. Some were hunted and assassinated by mercenaries.

Of the 12,000 deported, over 4,000 died. By the end of the five years only 150 of 12,000 Acadians were left in the region known as Acadia.

Thousands never saw their loved ones again. Thousands made their way to Lousiana to start over. Thousands spent their lifetimes searching for family members and making the long trek back to the land that had been their home for seven generations.

Le Grand Dérangement brought the end of one of North America’s longest-honoured treaties (over 150 years) with First Nations people.

As The United Church of Canada, this story is our story, too. Some of our churches stand on this land, where some of our spiritual ancestors were buried. The Protestant presence in the New World began in 1604 with the founder of Acadia and New France, Pierre du Gua, Sieur de Mons, who was a Huguenot, and many of his 78 companions.

We remember, so that we may build bridges of healing and renew right relationships between peoples marked by the effects of the deportation tragedy.

We also see this an occasion for promoting a new dialogue among Acadians, First Nations peoples, and English-speaking peoples.

Past Events

• Light of Hope and Healing 2010