Emily O.

Benoit's Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador

Western Newfoundland Regional Heritage Fair

Names on the Wall

A recount of the events that happened at St. Charles Aux Minas church in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia during the deportation of the Acadians with an emphasis on a direct family connection.

 

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

That my grandfather, many generations removed was actually present in that church and was held prisoner, before deportation.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

We can learn important things from bad events that happen. I appreciate the records that were kept about the events at Grand Pre because it allowed me to know where I came from, otherwise this would have been lost to me. I have a greater appreciation for the Acadian experience now knowing this was my family.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

There is not much comparison given that it was so long ago but I think what happened to the Acadians could not happen to us today because we live in a democracy.