Set a course for history with the Restigouche 1760 Heritage Festival
CAMPBELLTON, NB, July 5 /PRNewswire/ - It has been an exciting beginning for Restigouche 1760 as the colorful tri-cultural opening ceremony unfolded before the eyes of hundreds of spectators and included many of the region's dignitaries, government officials and community representatives. Although it's been 250 years since the "Battle of the Restigouche," the trappings of the 21st century have already begun to dissipate as families, young and old, share in the history and culture of the event.
The three regional cultures kicked off the festivities - Oh Canada was sung in French, Gaelic, Mi'gmaw and then together in English. Mi'gmaw Drummers and Dancers in their beautiful Regalia, Scottish bagpipes with regional Highland Dancers and French Acadian Dancers all entertained the crowds with their talented performances. Afterward a short speech was given in all three languages by the Restigouche 1760 Board of Directors to announce their goal of emerging from a time of historical conflict and coexistence of the past, to collaboration for now and the future, with every effort being made to celebrate the cultural diversity and richness of the Restigouche communities. Several of the regions dignitaries then took center stage to voice their vision of this week long historical event; M.P. Jean Claude D'Amours, Chief Allison Metallic of Listuguj, Mr. Bertrand Berger - Prefect of the Avignon County Regional Municipality, President of the Gaspe Coast and Magdalen Islands Elected Regional Conference and Mayor of Escuminac, M.L.A. and speaker of the house Roy Boudreau, Canada Economic Development Minister Mr. Denis Lebel, Campbellton Mayor Bruce MacIntosh and Deputy Mayor Greg Davis, along with many of the regional Mayors.
The "Battle of the Restigouche" commemoration event is being hailed as one of the largest historical events to take place in the Canadian Maritimes and is a first in regard to its inter-provincial location at the crossroads of Quebec and New Brunswick. The event takes place from July 4 - 11, 2010, with recreated Mi'gmaw, French Acadian and Scottish villages to reflect the local population surrounding the era of 1760.
Restigouche 1760 will open the doors of history and take you back to the era of French & British soldiers, the Mi'gmaw People, settlers, missionaries and others from that era. Every day of this week has an exciting fun filled schedule that includes local musical entertainment and activities for everyone. Thursday through Sunday we'll have the 1760 Period Villages representing the Mi'gmaw, French Acadian and Scottish cultures with examples of period crafts such as making a Birch Bark Canoe at the Mi'gmaw Village, weaving at the French Acadian Village and Butter Churning at the Scottish Village, along with cultural entertainment.
For more information about the Festival, visit the www.restigouche1760.ca
This project is partially funded by the Government of Canada.
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SOURCE Festival du Patrimoine de Restigouche
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