Celebrating Acadians
Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst national historic site hosts family fun day
In 1720, roughly 300 settlers first came to P.E.I., landing at what is now known as the Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst national historic site. On Sunday, families - that probably included some of their descendants - gathered to learn more about the region’s history and celebrate the upcoming national Acadian Feast Day, which will take place Aug. 15. “It’s important for people to know how the Island was colonized and the different cultural groups of people that have emerged,” said Lindsay Oehlke, interpretation officer with Parks Canada. The day’s events included children’s activities and education about Acadians, as well as their relationship with the Mi’kmaq, who also used the land. This was the first Acadian Day activity at the site since the Mi’kmaq word Skmaqn was added to its name in February. Boards of information about the relationship between Acadians and Mi’kmaq line the inside of the visitors’ centre. There was also Mi’kmaq interpretive programming and traditional games. The Acadians grew a strong alliance with the Mi’kmaq during the time of the Acadian Expulsion. “Some of them escaped deportation by hiding out with the Mi’kmaq, so they’re strong allies,” said Oeklke. “It’s part of the cultural heritage of the site.” Activities for family day also included face painting, air brush tattoos, crafts and more. Five-year-old Kianna Scott’s favourite part of the day was the kite flying. “The kites, because you could fly them and there was enough wind for them,” she said. Roughly 100 people came out to the event throughout the day. The family fun day takes place the Sunday before the National Acadian Feast Day every year.