The Sister Antoinette DesRoches Historical Committee presented its annual Gilbert Buote Award to the Conseil Rév. S.-É. Perrey of West Prince for the historical and heritage activities it organized during the 2019 World Acadian Congress in collaboration with the municipality of Tignish.
The activities emphasized the Acadian history and culture in the Tignish area since the arrival of the eight founding families in 1799. On Aug. 11, descendants of these pioneer families began by highlighting aspects of their rich heritage during the Sunday mass liturgy, then they performed at the various music centers around the village and at the outdoor show in the afternoon. There were colourful decorations throughout the region.
The activity that most recalled the history and evolution of the Acadian community of Tignish and the surrounding area was the well-attended dinner theatre presented in the parish hall. This performance brought together a troupe of about forty people. Entitled “Quel bout de chemin” (What a long way), the play was written and directed by Eileen Chiasson Pendergast.
The presentation of the award took place on Oct. 25 at the Centre acadien de Prince-Ouest. Georges Arsenault, president of the historical committee, presented the award to Junior Bernard, president of the Conseil Rév. S.É. Perrey.
The citation read at the ceremony stated that the variety and quality of the activities organized in Tignish for the World Acadian Congress enabled the Acadian community of that part of the Island to become better known, while at the same time stimulating pride and a sense of belonging to the larger Acadian community.
Created in 1982, the Gilbert Buote Award is presented annually. It recognizes outstanding projects in the field of Acadian history and heritage in Prince Edward Island.
The award was named to honour the memory of a man who contributed greatly to the Acadian community. Born in Tignish, Gilbert Buote (1833-1904) taught school and was the founding editor of L’Impartial, the first French-language newspaper on the Island. He was also the first Island Acadian to write about Acadian history and genealogy.
