ABRAM-VILLAGE, P.E.I. — Rumbling of thunder and a short downpour of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of a family, dressed in yellow, blue, white and red to boldly share their sense of pride and belonging in Abram-Village, Saturday afternoon.
The family travelled from Moncton, N.B., and Massachusetts, in the United States, to reunite at the sixth edition, the 25th anniversary, of Congrès Mondial Acadien (CMA).
In 1994, the first congress was held in southeastern New Brunswick as a gathering for Acadians and Francophones near and far. But while the event fosters the spirit of Acadia, everyone is entitled to a warm welcome.
“I just retired from work and we decided to reunite with our family, including those (with the same Acadian surnames) we have never met before,” said Lee Vassar. The family of 10 are staying conveniently on the festival grounds.
“We feel a lot of love here. People are really into the music, and there’s a sense of pride and belonging. We’re also having fun picking out all the ‘Arseneaults,’ ‘Gallants’ and ‘Doirons’ and having interesting conversations on if we are related,” added Joceline Vassar.
The congress, which takes place every five years, seeks to strengthen ties that unite a modern and authentic Acadian identity. Southeastern New Brunswick and P.E.I. are the hosts this year, gathering Acadians and Francophones from around the world to celebrate their heritage.
“It’s about maintaining our heritage, connections, and that’s a huge deal to us all,” said Georges Arseneault, Joceline’s brother.
Three sisters sitting adjacent to the couple said they flocked to the festival from Moncton, N.B.
“Our mother was an Arseneault from the Island. Her father was raised and born just up the road from Abram-Village. While we (three sisters) grew up in Moncton, we have lots of relatives here,” said Sylvia Gallant of her cousins Georges and Joceline.
“There’s also a feeling of happiness when we meet new relatives. It’s very much a family reunion,” added Gallant.
Vaughne Madden, the executive director, said a steady stream of people poured onto P.E.I. from across the country and even father to celebrate and honour their roots.
“Everyone is very excited and proud to say they are hosting an international event, especially Abram-Village, which is a small community of about 300 people. Visitors have been arriving not only today but weeks ahead,” said Madden.
“The festivities kicked off with the Midnight Run on the Confederation Bridge. Followed by a reading of the Sun Ceremony on the bridge by the First Nations community, representatives from the Government of Canada, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. to bring good energy to the event,” she said.
CMA runs from Aug. 10 to 24. For more information, visit www.cma2019.ca
