"Allo! ..hI'me 'ome!"
My very fond memories of the Acadian culture in the Maritimes was highlighted at Bouctouche (book-tush) New Brunswick. The site of the delightful village setting here is based on a book called 'La Sagouine' by Antonine Maillet, originally of France. and built on Flea Island, which was formerly thought good for nothing, but fleas ( I believe these fleas were ficticious!)
If you've heard of French Canadians who rudely ignore you if you don't speak French, THEY WERE NOT HERE! My first time in French speaking culture, the locals very graciously spoke English to me, as in my limited verse, I pleaded "escuse moi, non Francais...".
The fictional book La Saquoine, (a washerwoman) based on actual characters in the town of Bouctouche, has become famous with plays held internationally, as well as on the island. In fact actors play their roles in the various buildings, as well as on the stage constructed on the large platform on which the 'town' is built.
This is a remarkable story. The delightful tour guide explained in the private tour she gave me (I was the only English speaking person there) the plight of the Acadian people. I got the distinct impression that perhaps the Acadians, Francophone Canadians, felt as inconsequential as the fleas on Flea Island.
(my guide)
This single book has been responsible for a miracle in my eyes, changing lives, giving the Acadian people restored cultural pride and a sense of personal and cultural possibilities and achievement.
(The actress playing the role of 'Mathilda' was completely delightful even though I didn't understand a word of her French!)
Acadia was the first permanent French settlement in N.A. - 1604. The expulsion of 1755, from Acadia, an 'ethnic cleansing' by British and New England authorities, tore apart the people and families, scattering them to many areas. In Louisiana, they formed the cajun culture. If you didn't know, the fabulous cajun and Zydeco music originates with these very musically talented folk throughout the Maritimes, especially in New Brunswick.
Acadians learned to keep to themselves, causing outsiders to think they were very strange. They remained quietly private inwardly focused gentle folk.
'My Personal Guide' explained they have become encouraged and emboldened as a people because of the book, Sagoiune.
See what terrific things can happen in a place thought only suitable for fleas?!!!
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
love those photos - you should put that one of you on your profile pic - its fantastic! I've always wanted to go to the Maritimes and so far haven't made it!
Deborah - what a great post! I'm going to have to read the book. Looks like a charming place to visit. Thank you!
Hi Deborah - It looks like you're enjoying a vacation back east - I love that place.... it's so picturesque isn't it? My hubby is a NB'er and we like to go there every couple of years. The people are so friendly! Hope you get to eat some lobster!
Hi Deborah - Thanks for the great post about a unique attraction in my trading area. Enjoy your visit.
Deborah, love your photo's, the colors are so vivid and beautiful, I'm sure you had a wonderful time. Your pictures remind me of our visit many years ago to my husbands side of the family in Halifax and Antigonish (not sure of the spelling).
DEBORAH!!!!!
What fabulous photos!!! I must say you are looking as vibrant as ever I have not fallen off a cliff, though it feels like it..... trying to get back in a routine here and have missed you terribly.... I can see I have lots of catching up ta do!!!
It's GREAT to actually see you!!!
Deborah: I absolutely love these pictures!!! Thank you for posting and I agree.........it is good to see you.
Great to hear from you Liz!! You should go - if you've always wanted to, you likely will - what a slice it was being amid the history, culture and beautiful scenery! (an understatement)
Great post, Deborah--I love to travel vicariously this way!
I am so glad you added me back today, I wondered why you had dropped off my radar. I kept looking for your photo to rise to the top of the newly posted blogs. Anyway, this looks like a very quaint place. Do I understand correctly that the pictured town is like a huge stage with actors and all or have I simply misread what you were saying. My family is of French Canadian descent! Your photos are great and you look very happy.
Hi Rich! - you were on my list all along - I just changed you to a different group. I've been trying to figure out how the associate groups work because something changed and the associates I listed aren't showing properly.
You know what ? I did think of you when I was travelling New Brunswick - didn't you say you'd traveled there? And Dansereau, must be French, hmm? and perhaps you're descended from this marvelous Acadian culture, some of whom ended up in the south? your descendents?
Yes Flea Island is really a 'stage', as well as having a stage. If you click on the first link, you can see an aerial view.
...always on my list!!!!!!!!
Chris - it was truly a delight to visit Flea Island, such a remarkable tribute to the Acadian people in the Maritimes and Southern US also.
Georgina - I certainly did have lobster - on PEI and in Nova Scotia. So great that you get to visit New Brunswick so frequently!
Hi Larry - thanks so much for your comments and for the Feature!! I did think of you as I passed through Moncton one very rainy-pouring-buckets-day on the way to the Fundy Shore.
Debbie Dear !! You got the spelling of Antigonish just right - I did have a fabulous time. Awesome that you've also visited marvelous Nova Scotia!!
LINDA !!! I have missed you too! So awesome to catch up on the phone with you - it would have been great to connect in the east, but alas, hindsight.
Thanks Dianne! Your wonderful support is always so evident and so welcome! I hope all is well with you down in Florida girl!
Hello Loretta - great to hear from you down there in the south - thanks for stopping by my Maritime post!
My family on my father's side are all French Canadian. We are the first to live in the south. Though most of my new England relatives have migrated south in the past 10 or so years, we have very strong ties to New England and Canada. glad to know I am not the only one to have friends mysteriously vanish; thought it was bad mojo. <<<smile>>>
Thanks so much Rich for the background on your French Canadian ties. What a fascinating family history you must have. If you care to tell me more of it, I'd love to hear! I became enthused all over again with Acadian culture and history as a result of my travels this past summer.
Deborah - Another wonderful post and worth another ...........................
Thanks for the feature Robert! This post has been featured three times now; it must be the charming story of Sagouine and maybe the photos.