Acadians
This timeline highlights events and people related to Acadian History.
March 15, 1603
Politics and Society
Champlain's First Trip
Samuel de Champlain boarded the Bonne-Renommée at Honfleur, France, destined for New France, as a private passenger on Gravé Du Pont's expedition.
July 15, 1603
Politics and Society
Champlain Arrives at Gaspé
Samuel de Champlain arrived at Gaspé, where he first heard about Acadia.
January 01, 1606
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
Founding of the Ordre de Bon Temps
Ordre de Bon Temps ("Order of Good Cheer"), was founded at Port-Royal by Samuel de Champlain to maintain spirits and pass the time. Members took turns providing fresh game and, as chief steward of the day, leading a ceremonial procession to the table.
September 05, 1606
Politics and Society
Expedition to Massachusetts
Samuel de Champlain and Jean de Poutrincourt launched another expedition from Port-Royal to explore the coast of Massachusetts, hoping to establish friendly relationships with the Secoudon and Messamouet in the area. Their efforts were met with hostility and soon abandoned.
November 14, 1606
Arts, Culture and Identity
Marc Lescarbot's Theatre
Marc Lescarbot put on the first European theatrical production in Canada, or North America, called Le Théâtre de Neptune.
August 11, 1607
Politics and Society
Port-Royal Abandoned
The Port-Royal settlement was abandoned on orders from France. On Sept 3, after skirting the Straits of Canso and mapping the Atlantic coastline from Cape Breton to the south of Cap Blanc, Samuel de Champlain and the other voyagers headed home to St Malo. Only Poutrincourt would return, in 1610.
January 01, 1608
Historical Figures and Acadians
First Black Person in Canada
The first Black person thought to have set foot on Canadian soil was Mathieu Da Costa, a free man who was hired by Europeans to act as a translator.
January 07, 1608
Politics and Society
de Monts's Monopoly Renewed
Henri IV of France renewed de Monts's fur-trade monopoly, temporarily saving the colony at Port-Royal.
April 13, 1608
Politics and Society
Champlain Leaves on 3rd Voyage
As lieutenant to the Sieur de Monts, Samuel de Champlain set out on his third voyage to New France. He arrived at Tadoussac on 3 June.
May 22, 1611
Politics and Society
First Jesuits Arrive in New France
The first Jesuits to arrive in New France, Pierre Biard and Ennemond Massé, arrived at Port-Royal on May 22, 1611.
May 07, 1620
Politics and Society
Champlain Becomes Governor
Louis XIII wrote to Samuel de Champlain, commissioning him to govern New France and to do so in accordance with the laws and customs of France. From that point, Champlain devoted himself almost exclusively to administration and his career as an explorer ended.
March 29, 1632
Politics and Society
Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
France recovered Québec from England in the Treaty of Saint-Germain, along with compensation for goods siezed when Champlain surrendered Québec.
May 10, 1632
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Isaac de Razilly becomes governor of Acadia
Isaac de Razilly was selected to lead an expedition to re-establish the colony of Acadia after three years of Scottish occupation. With his headquarters at La Hève and an establishment of some 300 soldiers and colonists, Razilly worked effectively to consolidate the French hold on Acadia until his unexpected death in 1635.
March 01, 1633
Politics and Society
Champlain Recommended to Lead Colony
Asked by Cardinal Richelieu to take command of the colony, Isaac de Razilly deferred to Champlain as being more competent in colonial affairs.
December 25, 1635
Historical Figures and Acadians
Death of Champlain
Champlain died at Québec. He had suffered a stroke the previous October and signed his will November 17.
April 13, 1645
Politics and Society
Attack on Fort La Tour
D'Aulnay de Charnisay attacked Fort La Tour. La Tour's wife surrendered on the understanding that the garrison would be spared but Charnisay executed all the men but one, who had agreed to be executioner.
February 02, 1650
Politics and Society
Birth of Sir William Phips
Sir William Phips, adventurer, was born near Kennebec, Maine.
February 25, 1651
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
La Tour Made Governor
Charles de La Tour was made governor of Acadia.
August 16, 1654
Politics and Society
Sedgwick Captures Port-Royal
Robert Sedgwick, commander-in-chief of the New England coast, captured Port-Royal.
February 12, 1661
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Birth of Daniel de Subercase
Daniel d’Auger de Subercase, last governor of French Acadia, was born at Orthez, France.
July 21, 1667
Politics and Society
Treaty of Breda
The Treaty of Breda provided for French restoration of the English part of the island of St Christopher's, West Indies, in exchange for Acadia, captured from the French in 1654.
May 19, 1690
Politics and Society
Phips Plunders Port-Royal
Sir William Phips captured and plundered Port-Royal.
September 30, 1697
Politics and Society
Treaty of Ryswick
The Treaty of Ryswick between England and France provided for the restoration of all Hudson's Bay Co posts seized by Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville.
May 15, 1702
Politics and Society
England Declares War on France
England declared war on France, beginning the War of the Spanish Succession; it lasted until 1713.
October 05, 1710
Politics and Society
Nicholson Captures Port-Royal
Francis Nicholson and an English force of 2000 men captured Port-Royal.
April 11, 1713
Politics and Society
Treaty of Utrecht Signed
The Treaty of Utrecht was signed, ending the War of the Spanish Succession. It recognized the claim of the Hudson's Bay Co to Rupert's Land, and Acadia became a permanent English possession.
March 07, 1719
Politics and Society
Contract for Construction of Louisbourg
A contract was signed for the building of the King’s Bastion and citadel barracks of Louisbourg. Contractor Michel-Philippe Isabeau became known for his speedy work but also for his poor bookkeeping, exploitation of contract loopholes and habit of paying workers in goods (especially liquor). Isabeau died in 1724, and the work was carried on by others for another 20 years before the great fortress was finally complete.
October 19, 1744
Politics and Society
War of the Austrian Succession
Britain declared war on Spain, opening the hostilities that led to the War of the Austrian Succession, called King George's War in the colonies.
June 17, 1745
Politics and Society
Louisbourg Surrenders
The fortress of Louisbourg surrendered to the English.
February 11, 1747
Politics and Society
Ramezay's Attack on Grand Pré
Claude de Ramezay, guided by Acadians, attacked the British position at Grand Pré.
October 18, 1748
Politics and Society
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the War of the Austrian Succession. PEI, Cape Breton Island and Louisbourg were returned to France.
July 28, 1755
Politics and Society
Expulsion of the Acadians
Between 1755 and 1763, approximately 10,000 Acadians are deported after delegates refuse to take an oath of allegiance to Britain.
Acadians, the first French community in Canada, are allies of the Mi’kmaq and
possess a distinctive culture. Following the Acadian Expulsion, thousands die of disease or starvation.
July 26, 1758
Politics and Society
Louisbourg Surrenders
The fortress of Louisbourg surrendered for the last time. The French inhabitants were returned to France.
August 08, 1759
Politics and Society
Andrew Rollo Captures Île Saint-Jean
Brigadier-General Andrew Rollo, the 5th Lord Rollo, captured Île Saint-Jean (now Prince Edward Island) from the French at the height of the Seven Years'' War. Roughly 3,500 Acadians were swiftly repatriated to France whilst Rollo constructed Fort Amherst in honour of, and on orders from, General Jeffrey Amherst.
February 10, 1763
Politics and Society
Treaty of Paris 1763
The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Seven Years' War. France ceded to Britain all North American possessions except Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off Nfld, and Louisiana (sold in 1803). The treaty authorized freedom of religion in the colony.
October 07, 1763
Politics and Society
Royal Proclamation
The Royal Proclamation was issued by King George III, setting the western boundary of British settlement following the Seven Years War. Historic, foundational, flawed, the Proclamation stated that Aboriginal title had existed and continued to exist. All land was considered Aboriginal land until ceded by treaty, which could only be annexed by the Crown.
August 16, 1784
Politics and Society
New Brunswick Separates
New Brunswick was established as a separate colony from Nova Scotia.
August 22, 1800
Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Edward Barron Chandler
Edward Barron Chandler was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Popular in New Brunswick’s political circles, Chandler served in the House of Assembly. A Father of Confederation, he attended the major Confederation conferences, though he did not support Sir John A. Macdonald’s push for centralization.
February 08, 1839
Politics and Society
Aroostook War
New Brunswick and Maine clashed over lumbering in what became known as the Aroostook War (sometimes called the Pork and Beans War), over the undefined border.
May 01, 1846
Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Sir Pierre-Amand Landry
Sir Pierre-Amand Landry, lawyer, politician, judge, first NB Acadian Cabinet minister and Supreme Court judge, and the only knighted Acadian, born at Memramcook, NB.
October 20, 1847
Arts, Culture and Identity
Publication in Boston of Evangeline, A Tale of Acadia
Evangeline is a narrative poem (1847) by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow inspired by the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755. The poem tells of the love and wanderings of two young Acadians, Évangéline Bellefontaine and Gabriel Lajeunesse, who, the day after their betrothal, were deported from Grand Pré, NS, on different Louisiana-bound ships. The pair are reunited years later in a Philadelphia almshouse where she, now a Sister of Mercy, finds him destitute and dying.
February 15, 1852
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Birth of Pascal Poirier
Pascal Poirier, one of the leading figures of the Acadian Renaissance, was born in Shediac, NB. In 1885, he became the first Acadian appointed to the Senate.
June 20, 1854
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Stanislas Poirier (Perry) elected to the PEI Assembly
Stanislas-François Poirier (Perry) became the first Acadian elected to the House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Twenty years later, in 1874, he became the first Acadian Member of Parliament.
October 04, 1863
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Birth of Peter John Veniot
Born in Richibucto, NB, Peter John Veniot, "Pierre," is the first Acadian NB premier from 1923 to 1925 (non-elected). He succeeded W.E. Foster as premier in 1923 and supported public ownership of the provincial hydro system and the Maritime Rights Movement. He was recognized as the leader of Acadian Liberalism. Following the defeat of his party in 1925, he ran successfully as MP for Gloucester and was appointed postmaster general by PM King. He sat as an MP until his death in 1936.
October 10, 1864
Arts, Culture and Identity
Collège Saint-Joseph de Memramcook founded in NB
Father Camille Lefebvre, member of the congregation of the Fathers of Sainte-Croix, founded the Collège Saint-Joseph in Memramcook, New Brunswick. The establishment of this institution was significant because the graduates quickly began to play active roles in the Acadian community and, with the help of the clergy, started questioning their own identity and asserting their aspirations as francophones in an anglophone environment. Collège Saint-Joseph was one of three colleges that merged in 1963 to become the Université de Moncton.
March 05, 1867
Arts, Culture and Identity
Le Moniteur Acadien founded
The first Acadian newspaper, Le Moniteur Acadien, was founded by Israël Landry in Shediac, New Brunswick. The paper, whose first issue appeared on 8 July 1867, marked the beginning of the Acadian Renaissance.
July 28, 1870
Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Aubin-Edmond Arsenault
Premier of PEI Aubin-Edmond Arsenault was born at Egmont Bay, PEI. Arsenault was the first Acadian premier of any Canadian province.
May 17, 1871
Politics and Society
New Brunswick Schools
The New Brunswick government passed the Common Schools Act to strengthen and reform the school system. At the same time, it abandoned an informal system of separate schools that had grown up since the 1850s.
January 22, 1874
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Stanislas Poirier (Perry) elected to the House of Commons
Stanislas-François Poirier (Perry) became the first Acadian Member of Parliament, twenty years after becoming the first Acadian elected to the House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island.
February 06, 1880
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Death of Edward Barron Chandler
Edward Barron Chandler, a Father of Confederation, died in Fredericton, NB. Born to a prominent family, Chandler was deeply involved in the region’s politics. He was interested in constructing a Maritime rail line to Québec City and developing ties with the United States. Chandler also fought for Acadian language and cultural rights.
July 20, 1881
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
First National Acadian Convention
The first National Acadian Convention was held in Memramcook, New Brunswick. Chaired by MP Pierre-Amand Landry, the convention drew over 5,000 people and saw the establishment of National Acadian Day on 15 August, Assumption Day.
August 15, 1884
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
Flag of Acadia adopted
In 1884, Miscouche hosted the historic second Convention nationale acadienne (National Acadian Convention), during the course of which delegates adopted all the national symbols Acadians use today: the flag (the French tricolour with a yellow star in the blue stripe), the national anthem (Ave Maris Stella), the motto (“L’Union fait la force” or “Unity makes strength”) and the crest.
March 09, 1885
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Pascal Poirier appointed to the Senate
A leading figure of the Acadian Renaissance, Pascal Poirier, of Shediac, NB, became the first Acadian appointed to the Senate.
November 23, 1887
Arts, Culture and Identity
Launch of the L’Évangéline
Established by Valentin Landry in Digby, Nova Scotia, this Acadian newspaper was moved to Moncton, New Brunswick in 1905 and published until 1982.
September 01, 1890
Arts, Culture and Identity
College Sainte-Anne, NS is founded
College Sainte Anne (today Université Sainte-Anne) was founded at Church Point, Nova Scotia by the Eudist Fathers and offered instruction in French.
December 10, 1912
Historical Figures and Acadians
Édouard-A. LeBlanc becomes the first Acadian Bishop
After decades of petitions from Acadians, the Vatican appointed the first bishop of Acadian origin to the Episcopal seat of Saint John, New Brunswick.
September 03, 1920
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Birth of Gilbert Finn
Born in Inkerman Ferry, NB, Gilbert Finn is an Acadian businessman. After working 37 years at the Assumption Mutual Life Assurance Co, he served on the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and the Economic Council of Canada, was president of the Université de Moncton and was active in Acadian and New Brunswick community groups. His service to his people and province was rewarded with membership in the Order of Canada. Upon his retirement in 1987 he was appointed lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, the second person of Acadian descent to be so honoured. He served in this capacity until 1994.
February 28, 1923
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Peter John Veniot becomes NB premier
Born in Richibucto, NB, Peter John Veniot, "Pierre," was the first Acadian NB premier and served from 1923 to 1925. He succeeded W.E. Foster as premier in 1923 and supported public ownership of the provincial hydro system and the Maritime Rights Movement. He was recognized as the leader of Acadian Liberalism. Following the defeat of his party in 1925, he ran successfully as MP for Gloucester and was appointed postmaster general by Prime Minister W.L. Mackenzie King. He sat as an MP until his death in 1936.
May 10, 1929
Arts, Culture and Identity
Birth of Antonine Maillet
Celebrated Acadian novelist Antonine Maillet was born at Bouctouche, NB.
October 01, 1943
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Angèle Arsenault
Angèle Arsenault was a pioneering Acadian singer-songwriter. She was renowned for her catchy, upbeat melodies, playful social commentary and distinctive humour. She was perhaps best known for the songs “Évangéline, Acadian Queen,” “Je veux toute la vivre ma vie,” and the Acadian anthem “Grand-Pré.” An Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of Prince Edward Island, she received the Ordre de la Pléiade from the Association of French-Speaking Parliamentarians for her role in promoting French language and culture.
February 03, 1951
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Jacques Savoie
Jacques Savoie, Acadian musician, author, screenwriter (born 3 February 1951 in Edmundston, NB). Savoie has left his mark on French-Canadian literature, television and film. A founding member of the Acadian musical group Beausoleil Broussard, he is also the author of close to 20 novels, including Raconte-moi Massabielle and Les Portes tournantes, both of which have garnered many international awards and been made into films.
June 23, 1953
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Raymonde April
Photographer Raymonde April, whose practice has influenced the development of photography in Québec and Canada, was born at Moncton, NB.
July 12, 1960
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Louis J. Robichaud becomes premier of NB
Elected leader of the NB Liberal Party in 1958, Louis Joseph Robichaud led it to victory over Hugh J. Flemming in 1960, served as attorney general between 1960 and 1965, and as minister of youth in 1968. The first Acadian elected premier of NB, he introduced far-reaching social reforms through the centralizing Programme of Equal Opportunity. His government passed an Official Languages Act, established Université de Moncton, increased Acadian administrative influence, and encouraged the mining and forestry industries.
March 26, 1963
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Birth of Roch Voisine
Roch Voisine, popular award winning Quebec singer, was born at St Basile, NB.
June 19, 1963
Arts, Culture and Identity
Université de Moncton is founded
Université de Moncton was founded by the New Brunswick legislature in accordance with the recommendations of a royal commission. Université de Moncton began with the amalgamation of three institutions which agreed to suspend their charters in order to become affiliated colleges: Saint-Joseph (founded 1864), Sacré-Coeur (1899) and Saint-Louis (1946). As amended in 1977, the university's charter authorized campuses in each of New Brunswick's three francophone regions: Moncton, Edmundston and Shippagan.
January 01, 1969
Politics and Society
Kouchibouguac National Park Established
Kouchibouguac National Park was established. Situated on the eastern New Brunswick shore of Northumberland Strait, the park is a delicate blend of beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes. A 25 km long barrier-island system shelters lagoons from the often violent sea. Several rivers flowing across the park inspired its Mi'kmaq name "river of the long tides."
May 23, 1974
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
New Brunswick's Bilingual Acts
New Brunswick became the first province to draft statutes in both official languages.
August 15, 1977
Arts, Culture and Identity
Acadian Historical Village Opens
The Acadian Historical Village (Village historique acadien) is an ambitious living history site located on the Rivière-du-Nord near Caraquet, NB, in the heart of the Acadian Peninsula. It presents the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the large Acadian population who settled in this province.
August 29, 1979
Arts, Culture and Identity
Opening of the first Jeux de l’Acadie
The first Acadian Games (Jeux de l’Acadie) were held in Moncton from 29 August to 1 September 1979.
November 20, 1979
Arts, Culture and Identity
Antonine Maillet wins Prix Goncourt
For her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, Acadian writer Antonine Maillet became the first non-French citizen to win France's most prestigious literary prize, the Prix Goncourt.
August 12, 1994
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
First Congrès mondial acadien
The first Congrès mondial acadien (World Acadian Congress) was held in Moncton and various communities of southeastern New Brunswick from 12 August to 22 August 1994.
March 21, 1995
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Rose-Marie Losier-Cool appointed to the Senate
Born in Tracadie-Sheila, NB, Rose-Marie Losier-Cool became the first Acadian woman appointed to the Senate.
October 01, 1997
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Bastarache Named New Supreme Court Justice
PM Jean Chrétien named Justice Michel Bastarache to fill the vacancy left on the Supreme Court by Gerard LaForest. He became the first Acadian appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada.
May 02, 1998
Politics and Society
Thériault Becomes Premier
Camille Henri Thériault was sworn in as premier of New Brunswick.
June 07, 1999
Politics and Society
Conservatives Win in NB
The New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party won a surprising landslide victory in the provincial election. Thirty-three-year-old Bernard Lord became premier.
August 06, 2002
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
Moncton becomes a bilingual city
Moncton, NB, became the first officially bilingual Canadian city.
August 29, 2003
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Herménégilde Chiasson is installed as New Brunswick's lieutenant-governor
Herménégilde Chiasson was born 7 April 1946 in Saint-Simon, NB. He is an artist, poet, playwright, film director and lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick. An Officer of the Order of Canada, winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, and New Brunswick's 29th lieutenant-governor, Chiasson is considered the father of Acadian modernism and is one of Canada's foremost advocates of Acadian culture and the arts. He is also notable for his insistence upon Acadian culture being a living culture rather than a persecuted and exiled one.
December 06, 2003
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
Crown acknowledges deportation of the Acadian people
In a royal proclamation, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson recognized the responsibility of the British Crown in the decision to deport the Acadian people in 1755 and its tragic consequences. Since 2005, 28 July has been designated Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval.
July 28, 2005
Arts, Culture and Identity Politics and Society
Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval
To mark the 250th anniversary of the deportation of the Acadian people in 1755, 28 July officially became Canada's Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval, as set by the Royal Proclamation of 6 December 2003.
May 08, 2009
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Edith Butler receives the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement
Born in 1942 in Paquetville, NB, Édith Butler has popularized a number of traditional Acadian songs.
June 24, 2009
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Death of Roméo A. LeBlanc
A fluently bilingual Acadian, LeBlanc was selected by PM Jean Chrétien in 1994 to succeed Ray Hnatyshyn as Governor General of Canada. Roméo LeBlanc was the first Maritimer and first Canadian of Acadian descent to hold the vice-regal office.
November 13, 2012
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
France Daigle wins the Governor General’s Literary Award
France Daigle, an Acadian author born 18 November 1953 in Dieppe, a suburb of Moncton, New Brunswick, is the leading representative of postmodern Acadian literature. Her work has sparked a great deal of interest in Québec, English Canada, and other parts of the Francophonie. She won the Governor General’s Literary Award for her masterpiece entitled Pour sûr (2011).
February 24, 2014
Arts, Culture and Identity Historical Figures and Acadians
Death of Angèle Arsenault
Angèle Arsenault was a pioneering Acadian singer-songwriter. She was renowned for her catchy, upbeat melodies, playful social commentary and distinctive humour. She was perhaps best known for the songs “Évangéline, Acadian Queen,” “Je veux toute la vivre ma vie,” and the Acadian anthem “Grand-Pré.” An Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of Prince Edward Island, she received the Ordre de la Pléiade from the Association of French-Speaking Parliamentarians for her role in promoting French language and culture.
September 23, 2014
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Brian Gallant elected premier of New Brunswick
Brian Alexander Gallant was born 27 April 1982 in the Acadian community of Shediac Bridge, New Brunswick. He was a lawyer and leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party. At 32 years of age, he became the country’s youngest premier. Gallant is the son of Pierre Gallant, who is of Acadian heritage, and Marilyn Scholten, the daughter of Dutch immigrants.
January 07, 2015
Historical Figures and Acadians Politics and Society
Death of Gilbert Finn
Born 3 September 1920 in Inkerman Ferry, NB, Gilbert Finn is an Acadian businessman. After working 37 years at the Assumption Mutual Life Assurance Co, he served on the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and the Economic Council of Canada, was president of the Université de Moncton and was active in Acadian and New Brunswick community groups. His service to his people and province was rewarded with membership in the Order of Canada. Upon his retirement in 1987 he was appointed lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, the second person of Acadian descent to be so honoured. He served in this capacity until 1994.