News release

Heritage Day Honours the Landscape of Grand Pré World Heritage Site

Lieutenant-Governor
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Acadian Affairs and Francophonie

Heritage Day 2022 will celebrate the Landscape of Grand Pré World Heritage Site, one of the earliest settlements in Nova Scotia, which is immersed with Acadian history and defined by tragedy, courage and perseverance.

Heritage Day is Monday, February 21.

“As an Acadian myself, the Landscape of Grand Pré holds special meaning for me,” said Lt.-Gov Arthur J. LeBlanc. “It is a visual reference of Acadian culture in Nova Scotia. It also reminds us of the need for compassion and inclusion in our province. By taking lessons from our past, we commit to building a society where all individuals can live with dignity and peace.”

The Landscape of Grand Pré covers 1,300 hectares of Annapolis Valley farmland and includes the innovative aboiteau technology – the use of sluicegates in dykes that allow flood water to drain but keep sea water out – developed by 17th-century Acadians with the vital support of the Mi’kmaq. After the deportation of the Acadians in the 18th century, the area was maintained and expanded by the New England Planters. Their descendants and other stewards of the land have ensured the area has remained fertile agricultural land to the present day.

“Heritage Day 2022 serves as an important reminder of our province’s deep historical ties with the Acadian people since the early 1600s,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie. “As a proud Acadian, I understand the significance of sharing the incredible stories of our people, whose contributions played a fundamental role in creating and maintaining strong and prosperous communities. This Heritage Day, I encourage all Nova Scotians to discover our vibrant culture and history.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the inscription of Landscape of Grand Pré becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site. Landscape of Grand Pré Inc. will hold celebrations this summer.

Quotes:

“Even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge for many of us, it does not stop us from paying tribute to the outstanding people and places this province offers the world.”

– Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

“By choosing the Landscape of Grand Pré for Nova Scotia’s Heritage Day, the Province is honouring the place of memory of the Acadian diaspora. We hope that this day provides an opportunity to reflect on Acadie and encourage broader discussions of the lessons to be learned from this history, which is not only that of the Acadian people but also that of all Nova Scotians and of our country.”

– Kenneth Deveau, président de la Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse

“Landscape of Grand Pré Inc. is very pleased that the Province of Nova Scotia is honouring the Landscape of Grand Pré as part of Heritage Day celebrations. Located in the heart of the Mi’kmaw District of Sipekne'katik, it features an exceptional living agricultural community and iconic place of remembrance for the Acadian community.”

– Beverly Palmeter, Board Chair, Landscape of Grand Pré Inc.

Quick Facts:

  • launched in 2015, Heritage Day is an annual statutory holiday that honours the remarkable people and places that have contributed to Nova Scotia’s history
  • in 2012, the Grand Pré landscape became Canada's 16th World Heritage Site, listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  • created in 2016, Landscape of Grand Pré Inc. is responsible for co-ordinating the management of the Landscape of Grand Pré World Heritage Site
  • Acadians are descendants of the French who settled in Port Royal, near present-day Annapolis Royal, more than 400 years ago
  • the Acadian and francophone community in Nova Scotia includes about 30,000 people with French as a first language, according to 2016 census data from Statistics Canada

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Heritage Day: https://heritageday.novascotia.ca

Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage:

Office of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie: https://acadien.novascotia.ca/en

La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (La FANE): https://www.acadiene.ca

Landscape of Grand Pré Inc.: http://www.landscapeofgrandpre.ca

Follow Us