SASKATCHEWAN JOINS CANADIAN DELEGATION AT WORLD ACADIAN CONGRESS

Provincial Secretary and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs June Draude will join thousands of Acadians, Francophones, and Francophiles, from across Canada and worldwide to celebrate Acadian culture at the World Acadian Congress in New Brunswick this weekend.

"This event is not only an opportunity to celebrate more than 400 years of French presence on our continent, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to celebrate the current vitality of Francophone culture in Canada, and in Saskatchewan," Draude said.

The fourth World Acadian Congress will take place from August 7 to 23 in several communities on the Acadian Peninsula, the northeastern corner of New Brunswick. The Congress takes place every five years and brings together Acadians from around the world in a celebration of history and culture. Draude will join provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Francophone affairs from across Canada and other delegates from the international Francophonie, particularly, France.

"I am excited to meet with other members of the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie and French-speaking nations to share the Saskatchewan story," Draude said. "Our participation in the Congress will create awareness about our vibrant Francophone community, our strong economy and the opportunities our province has to offer."

This will be the second World Acadian Congress to be held in New Brunswick, the first having taken place in the Moncton area in 1994. The second Congress was held in southern Louisiana in 1999 and the third in Nova Scotia in 2004.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca