Historic moment during the World Acadian Congress, held in Nova Scotia

Saint-Jacques, August 27, 2024 – During the World Acadian Congress, held in southwestern Nova Scotia, the general assembly of the Société nationale de l’Acadie (SNA) took place on August 13. During this meeting, an event took place that the Coalition des organisations acadiennes du Québec (COAQ) describes as historic for Acadians in Quebec, but also for all Acadians in the diaspora.

Amendment to the general regulations
One of the important points discussed during this meeting was the amendment to the general regulations of this non-profit organization, which, since 1881, has had a mandate to bring together and coordinate the Acadian people in order to represent their interests, both in the Atlantic provinces and throughout Canada and even abroad. The SNA has eight regular members and nine associate members. Unfortunately, the latter did not have the right to vote at AGAs and were not represented on the board of directors. With the amendment of the general regulations, associate members will now be able to vote and will be given a seat on the board of directors. This historic event will now allow all Acadians around the world to make their voices heard and work together to achieve common goals,
giving real meaning to the NSA's motto, "Unity is strength."

Long-term work
The COAQ was founded with the goal of giving Acadians in Quebec a voice within the SNA. With this in mind, the Coalition's board of directors has increased its contacts with the SNA over the years, even though the latter has sometimes been less than receptive. In recent years, however, COAQ board members have sensed a real openness on the part of the SNA. We have therefore had numerous meetings and discussions with SNA management, both in person and in writing, and we participated in the consultation tour for the renewal of the organization's strategic plan. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mr. Martin Théberge, President of the SNA, as well as Ms. Véronique Mallet and Ms. Émilie Caissie, who have served as Executive Directors of the SNA, for their unwavering support and hard work, which has led to this tremendous achievement.

The Coalition des Organisations acadiennes du Québec (COAQ) aims to promote the Acadian presence, history, and heritage in Quebec, as well as Acadian members and regions in Quebec. COAQ members are non-profit organizations, as well as cities and municipalities. It is a member of the Société nationale de l'Acadie, the Commission Acadie-Québec, the Fédération histoire Québec, and the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques community.

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Source: Isabelle Marsolais, President
Coalition of Acadian Organizations of Quebec
Tel.: 450-839-2136