Acadian and Francophone Community Members Honoured

NOTE: A list of the Ordre de la Pléiade recipients follows this release.

Ten members of the Acadian and francophone community joined the Ordre de la Pléiade during a ceremony at Province House in Halifax today, May 8.

Ordre de la Pléiade is an initiative of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie that began in 1976. This is an international honour given to people who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of the French language.

The Nova Scotia section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, which is overseen by the Speaker's Office and includes all elected members, submitted nominations to receive l’Ordre de la Pléiade to the Bureau de l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie at its meeting in January.

“The dedication of these Acadians and francophones toward their community and Nova Scotia’s Francophonie is exemplary,” said Acadian Affairs and Francophonie Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “As we welcome ten outstanding Nova Scotians into the Ordre de la Pléiade, I want to salute and honour their invaluable contributions to Nova Scotia’s vibrant and dynamic Acadian and francophone community.”

The ten Nova Scotians were recognized for contributions to the Acadian and francophone community in the fields of French first language education, community radio broadcasting, community development, music, writing, health, women’s rights and preservation of the French language and culture.

The recipients were appointed Grade de Chevalier (Knight). One of the five classes in the Ordre de la Pléiade, it is awarded to people from the political, social, scientific or literary worlds.

“It is an honour to recognize this year’s Ordre de la Pléiade medal recipients for their passion, commitment and engagement to preserving the French language and Acadian and francophone culture”, said Chris d’Entremont, president of the Nova Scotia section of l’Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. “Their contributions have made it possible for future generations to keep their French language and culture alive and vibrant in our province and for this we thank each of them.”

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophone has sections in Africa, America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Its mandate is to promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and allow for the prospering of the French language and cultural diversity around the world.

The following is a list of recipients:

• Daniel Aucoin, Chéticamp
• Weldon Boudreau, Stillwater Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Paul-Emile Comeau, Saulnierville, Digby Co.
• Paul d’Entremont, Pubnico-Ouest, Yarmouth Co.
• Glenda Doucet-Boudreau, Concessions, Digby Co.
• Beverly Hugli, Head of Chezzetcook, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Antonio Jarjoura, Halifax
• Donald W. Jacquard, Wedgeport-le-Bas, Yarmouth Co.
• Gabriel LeBlanc, D’Escousse, Richmond Co.
• Marie-Claude Rioux, Eastern Passage