A strong bond
First Nations, Acadians celebrate historic allegiances as part of three-day event
First Nations and Acadians will celebrate historic – though little known– allegiances that helped the early settlers of the area survive harsh conditions.
Grand-Pré is preparing to immerse summer visitors in a little known legacy of Canada’s early heritage: the extraordinary relationship between the first European settlers to these shores, and the ancient Indigenous inhabitants of Mi’kma’ki.
Grand-Pré 2017, a three-day festival from Aug. 10-13, will mark a grand reunion of the Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultures, and a celebration of the fellowship and harmony forged between them more than 400 years ago.
“It seems appropriate in 2017, a year of reconciliation dialogue, we reignite that relationship as we look forward to the next 150 years,” says Morley Googoo, the Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, in a phone interview.
Googoo says the inspiration for the event came from a walk he took two years ago at the Grand-Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site’s view park, where he read the plaque that spoke about the alliance between the Mi’kmaq and the Acadians – one that helped the Acadians survive in North America.
That’s why the grounds of Grand-Pré will be used to showcase the expo of contemporary and traditional visual and performing arts, food, and languages.
“There are so many ways to achieve reconciliation,” Googoo says.
“There is still a lot of work to do, but events like this help others to hear and see the beauty of our culture, and hear new stories, have new experiences so we can write a new narrative.”
A cultural village will showcase Mi’kmaq and Acadian cultural demonstrations and displays.
“Le Rendez-vous” is an Acadian place to meet, learn and share, and includes culinary demos with The Kilted Chef, Alain Bossé and Chef Ray Bear — with their versions of traditional favourites such as rappie pie and bannock.
A Pow Wow on Aug. 12 will begin at noon with the Stoney Bear Singers from Eskasoni as the local host drum, as well as invited drummers from Saddle Lake Cree Nation.
There is also puppet theatre and historical walks with theatrical characters that are part of the summer program at Grand-Pré, and a lecture series with local researchers in Acadian and Mi’kmaq studies.
The program also includes screenings of Phil Comeaux’s award-winning film “Zachary Richard, Cajun Heart,” detailing the story of the singer’s search for his Acadian roots in the Maritimes and Louisiana.
And Le Marché – the Market
– will feature Mi’kmaq vendors from across the country, and Acadian artisans demonstrating quilts, hooked rugs, visual and folk art.
It will also feature information from associations and national organizations, including Congrès mondial acadien 2019.
The event serves as the backdrop for a political meeting – the second annual MP-Chief’s Summit.
“Not since the 1600s has an occasion so momentous been planned,” declares the event’s website, grandpre2017.ca.
There will be a free shuttle service during the event from Halifax to Acadia University in Wolfville, and on to Grand-Pré.