Press Release
Monday, October 24, 2022
Inauguration of the Carrefour international des études acadiennes at the Université de Moncton
Photo (left to right): Glen Savoie, Minister responsible for La Francophonie; Jean-Sébastien Léger, President of FÉÉCUM, Jeanne Farrah, Acting Executive Director of Philanthropic Development and Alumni Relations; Gabriel Cormier, Vice-President, Administration and Human Resources, Yanick Pagé, President of the Fondation J.-Louis-Lévesque; Gilles Roy, Vice-President, Academic and Research; Yvon Lapierre, Mayor of Dieppe; Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform.
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The Université de Moncton inaugurated the Carrefour international des études acadiennes on Friday in the presence of the university community and many dignitaries.
The new spacious and modern space, located in the Bibliothèque Champlain, houses the Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson, the Institut d'études acadiennes, the Société historique acadienne and numerous study halls and workspaces.
Making Acadian Archives More Accessible
As part of this transformative and innovative project, the Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson was able to refurbish and modernize its premises according to the highest standards in terms of storage and conservation, in addition to acquiring state-of-the-art archival equipment to promote greater accessibility of Acadian archives.
The Carrefour international des études acadiennes will bring together under one roof research teams, students and members of the community interested in Acadian studies.
Generosity in Action
The Université de Moncton was able to count on the exceptional generosity of donors to carry out this project, which is crucial to its conservation, research, development, and production activities on Acadie. The McCain Foundation, the City of Moncton, the City of Dieppe, and Groupe Savoie provided substantial financial support to the initiative through the Évolution Fundraising Campaign. Donations were also collected from community members who recognized the importance of Acadian studies.
The Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick have made financial contributions to this major project.
Salle Antonine-Maillet and Salle J.-Louis-Lévesque
At the same time, the Musée acadien of the Université de Moncton inaugurated two permanent exhibit rooms that will be housed at the Carrefour international des études acadiennes: Salle Antonine-Maillet and Salle J.-Louis-Lévesque, two former chancellors and generous benefactors of the Université de Moncton.
Le passé, racine du présent : The Work of Claude Roussel
During the ceremony, the Université de Moncton recognized the remarkable work of renowned Acadian artist Claude Roussel, who designed the outdoor public art piece installed at the entrance of the Carrefour international des études acadiennes. This masterful work, commissioned to the artist, consists of four pieces and is entitled Le passé, racine du présent.
Quotes
“In addition to gathering, preserving and disseminating the rich Acadian documentary heritage in optimal conditions, the Carrefour international des études acadiennes strategically positions the Université de Moncton as a centre of excellence in Acadian studies at the regional, national and international levels.”
-Dr. Denis Prud'homme, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Université de Moncton
“The McCain Foundation believes in the importance of community. The Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson offers new opportunities to strengthen not only the Université de Moncton academic community, but the Acadian communities as a whole. We hope that the opening of its new spaces will foster a better understanding of the impact and contributions of the Acadian people in our province and beyond.”
-Linda McCain, Chair of the McCain Foundation
“As a proud Acadian and graduate of the Université de Moncton, I know just how much of a positive impact today’s announcement will have on Francophones and Francophiles in New Brunswick. The investment will allow students and community members who want to explore Acadian studies to come together and collaborate at this renowned educational institution. We are delighted to support this important project, which will help create a fulfilling living environment for the Acadian and Francophone communities.”
-The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“The preservation and accessibility of New Brunswick's heritage, cultural and linguistic resources are necessary to maintain the unique bilingual character of our province. That is why the Government of New Brunswick is proud to be one of the partners who made the redevelopment of the Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson possible. The new facility will allow for a better sharing of Acadian archives in New Brunswick, throughout Acadie, and around the world. We congratulate the Université de Moncton for promoting conservation, education, and research within the Carrefour.”
-Glen Savoie, Minister responsible for La Francophonie
“The Carrefour international des études acadiennes reaffirms the Université de Moncton's role as a leader in this field,” said Moncton City Council member Monique LeBlanc. “The City of Moncton is very proud of its unique partnership with the Université de Moncton and of its contribution to the creation of this new centre of excellence.”
-Monique LeBlanc, Councillor-at-Large for the City of Moncton
“As the largest Acadian city in the world and a symbol of a vibrant, modern, and urban Acadie, the City of Dieppe is very pleased to contribute to the creation of the Carrefour international des études acadiennes. We have much to be proud of in terms of our Acadian heritage, and this groundbreaking new space will ensure that it is preserved and shared for generations to come.”
-Yvon Lapierre, Mayor of the City of Dieppe
“At Groupe Savoie, we believe that it is not solely the responsibility of the university community to work towards a better knowledge and understanding of Acadian history and culture. Through our financial support, we hope to make their work more efficient and easier. Our scholarly community needs modern technology to better preserve and disseminate our precious heritage.”
-Jean-Claude Savoie, Groupe Savoie
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