The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of the Abenaki Migrations to New France (1675-1748)

by ahnationtalk on June 21, 2017646 Views

June 21, 2017 Wôlinak, Quebec Parks Canada Agency

Canada’s national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized the national historic significance of the Abenaki migrations to New France (1675-1748). A special ceremony took place at the Petite Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse of Wôlinak with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Wôlinak Band Council and the Odanak Band Council.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. From 1675 to 1748, the Abenaki migrations ensured the survival of those populations who chose to settle in the heart of the French colony after having been evicted from their ancestral lands in New England. The settlements of Saint-François (Odanak) and Bécancour (Wôlinak) thus became places of refuge for hundreds of those people.

Helping the French during numerous incursions, the Abenaki accepted an offer of neutrality by the British following the French defeat in 1760. In doing so, they lost their lands located in New England. By establishing and sustaining two Abenaki communities in Quebec, those migrations helped preserve the Abenaki identity and culture to the present day.

The Government is committed to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

This year, as we celebrate Canada 150, we have an opportunity to bring all Canadians together, create new connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians and foster discussions on the stories, cultures, and realities of Indigenous communities.

As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories!

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is very pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the Abenaki migrations to New France from 1675 to 1748. Through the Odanak and Wôlinak settlements, the Abenaki culture is still alive and continues to flourish. As part of the 150th anniversary of our great nation, it is important for all of us to learn more about the people, places, and events that have shaped our rich cultural heritage.”

François Philippe Champagne,
Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain

Quick Facts

When the Abenaki left their ancestral lands, they originally settled in the vicinity of Lake Champlain, Lake Megantic, Chambly, along the Bécancour, Chaudière and Saint-François rivers, as well as on the shores of the St. Lawrence at Sillery where they could survive by engaging in traditional hunting and fishing.
The arrival of the Abenaki contributed to strengthening the defence of New France until the British conquest in 1760.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.

The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of the Abenaki Migrations to New France (1675-1748)

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