Grumpy Cat
02-19-2009, 11:42 PM
Acadians out to tell 'story of Grand Pre to the rest of the world'
Governments contribute to UNESCO world heritage site effort
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
GRAND PRE — A bid proposal to have Grand Pre designated a UNESCO world heritage site received a major financial boost Monday.
Three levels of government will contribute a total of $1.3 million to a project that would see the area, a site that symbolizes the Acadian Expulsion in 1755, receive recognition as a worldwide historic and cultural treasure.
The bid process, being prepared by a nomination advisory board, began two years ago. The deadline for the proposal is 2010.
"Nova Scotians know that Grand Pre and surrounding area is a place of very special significance," Premier Rodney MacDonald told about 100 people gathered at Grand Pre National Historic Site on Monday.
"It’s easy to understand why local residents and Acadians from one end of the province to the other are so proud," he said in announcing the province will contribute $280,000 to the bid process.
"Grand Pre is an outstanding example of a distinctive community-based approach to farming in the 17th and 18th centuries in North America," he said. "It is an inspiration for Acadians, artists, writers and poets."
He added that the Acadian story has become a symbol of hope and perseverance.
"It’s time, I think, that we told the story of Grand Pre to the rest of the world."
He said the designation would add to the province’s international competitiveness as a tourism and cultural destination, along with creating new economic opportunities.
Senator Gerald Comeau announced the federal government will contribute $211,348 toward the bid through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Parks Canada will contribute $500,000, while the Municipality of Kings will kick in $23,000.
Also contributing are the Kings Community Economic Development Agency with $117,000 and Societe Promotion Grand-Pre with $54,000.
The bid is expected to cost about $1.3 million.
Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d’Entremont said Acadians across the province are working on the project.
"We have something very special in Grand Pre," area councillor John Fuller said. "The history is unique."
About 10,000 Acadians were dispersed throughout the world in the Expulsion.
Canada now has 15 official world heritage sites, including Lunenburg and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia.
Source (http://thechronicleherald.ca/Search/1106884.html)
Governments contribute to UNESCO world heritage site effort
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
GRAND PRE — A bid proposal to have Grand Pre designated a UNESCO world heritage site received a major financial boost Monday.
Three levels of government will contribute a total of $1.3 million to a project that would see the area, a site that symbolizes the Acadian Expulsion in 1755, receive recognition as a worldwide historic and cultural treasure.
The bid process, being prepared by a nomination advisory board, began two years ago. The deadline for the proposal is 2010.
"Nova Scotians know that Grand Pre and surrounding area is a place of very special significance," Premier Rodney MacDonald told about 100 people gathered at Grand Pre National Historic Site on Monday.
"It’s easy to understand why local residents and Acadians from one end of the province to the other are so proud," he said in announcing the province will contribute $280,000 to the bid process.
"Grand Pre is an outstanding example of a distinctive community-based approach to farming in the 17th and 18th centuries in North America," he said. "It is an inspiration for Acadians, artists, writers and poets."
He added that the Acadian story has become a symbol of hope and perseverance.
"It’s time, I think, that we told the story of Grand Pre to the rest of the world."
He said the designation would add to the province’s international competitiveness as a tourism and cultural destination, along with creating new economic opportunities.
Senator Gerald Comeau announced the federal government will contribute $211,348 toward the bid through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Parks Canada will contribute $500,000, while the Municipality of Kings will kick in $23,000.
Also contributing are the Kings Community Economic Development Agency with $117,000 and Societe Promotion Grand-Pre with $54,000.
The bid is expected to cost about $1.3 million.
Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d’Entremont said Acadians across the province are working on the project.
"We have something very special in Grand Pre," area councillor John Fuller said. "The history is unique."
About 10,000 Acadians were dispersed throughout the world in the Expulsion.
Canada now has 15 official world heritage sites, including Lunenburg and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia.
Source (http://thechronicleherald.ca/Search/1106884.html)