In West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, National Acadian Day holds significance beyond just festivities, according to Rébécca-Sarah Potvin. The executive director of L’Acadie de Chezzetcook emphasized the importance of cultural preservation during the 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Potvin expressed the desire to expand the event to share more about the history of L’Acadie Chezzetcook and the community’s stories. The celebration, attended by numerous individuals, featured music, a barbecue, and demonstrations of Acadian customs like butter churning and clam shelling.
Notable figures such as Canada’s Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, and Coun. David Hendsbee were present at the event. Cameron DeBaie, chair of L’Acadie Chezzetcook, highlighted the milestone as a crucial step in rejuvenating and safeguarding Acadian heritage and the French language in Chezzetcook.
Community member Shirley Doucette Lowe, who volunteers at the Acadian House Museum, highlighted the importance of preserving the culture and reviving the language. She mentioned a resurgence of interest among the youth in preserving the language and culture.
Efforts to promote the French language include activities at the French school in École des Beaux-Marais in Porters Lake. Plans for a new school for francophone students were announced by Premier Tim Houston in 2023. To encourage French language usage among students, the community reintroduced French summer camps.
Potvin emphasized that although the celebrations are held on a single day, there are year-round opportunities for Nova Scotians to explore West Chezzetcook and learn about the province’s Acadian history.