News and Reflections: "Unique Cultural Identities" -- March 8, 2024

Photo "Parc L' Ile-Aux-Foins in Neguac, NB" Credit Julie Benoit.

"Something interesting I have discovered in my identity research"
... by Joan Reddy

From what I have found, aside from First Nations peoples within what is now called Canada, Acadians are the only other community of peoples who can classify themselves as a unique nationality and culture if born in this country. All other people are classified as Canadian, even if they are children of a European parent who was born in their homeland. For example: lets say you are Irish, or a Scot, or Italian, etc...unless you were born and grew-up in that country and learnt the culture, you are only a Canadian or American with Irish or Scot or Italian ancestry. You cannot claim to be Irish, only a Canadian with Irish heritage. People from the homeland country do not recognize you as one of them, if you were not immersed in their culture while living in that country.

Acadians and First Nations peoples are the only communities who are Canadian by citizenship, but still fully maintain their unique cultural identities because their ancestors were here before this land became Canada. In other words, we are Canadian citizens, but we are not Canadian. We are Acadians!