Family reunion
Families come specially dressed to find long lost Acadian and Francophone relatives
ABRAM-VILLAGE — The rumbling of thunder and a short downpour of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of a family dressed in yellow, blue, white and red to share their sense of pride and belonging in Abram-Village over the weekend.
The family travelled from both Moncton and Massachusetts to reunite at the Congrès Mondial Acadien (CMA) in Abram-Village.
In 1994, the first congress was held in southeastern New Brunswick as a gathering for Acadians and francophones from near and far. But while the event fosters the spirit of Acadia, everyone is entitled to a warm welcome.
“I just retired from work and we decided to reunite with our family, including those (with the same Acadian surnames) we have never met before,” said Lee Vassar, whose family of 10 lodged on the festival grounds.
“We feel a lot of love here. People are really into the music, and there’s a sense of pride and belonging. We’re also having fun picking out all the Arseneaults, Gallants and Doirons and having interesting conversations on if we are related,” said Joceline Vassar.
The congress, which takes place every five years, seeks to strengthen ties that unite a modern and authentic Acadian identity. Southeastern New Brunswick and P.E.I. are the hosts this year.
“It’s about maintaining our heritage, connections, and that’s a huge deal to us all,” said Joceline’s brother,
Georges Arseneault.
Three sisters sitting adjacent to the couple said they flocked to the festival from Moncton.
“Our mother was an Arseneault from the Island. Her father was raised and born just up the road from AbramVillage. While we (three sisters) grew up in Moncton, we have lots of relatives here,” Sylvia Gallant said of her cousins, Georges and Joceline.
“There’s also a feeling of happiness when we meet new relatives. It’s very much a family reunion,” said Gallant.
Executive director Vaughne Madden said a steady stream of people poured into P.E.I. from across the country and from even father afield to celebrate and honour their roots.
“Everyone is very excited and proud to say they are hosting an international event, especially Abram-Village, which is a small community of about 300 people. Visitors have been arriving not only today but weeks ahead,” said Madden.