[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16715]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       EXPULSION OF THE ACADIANS

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise today to address the 
injustices the British Crown inflicted upon the Acadian people over 200 
years ago. Due to their refusal to take an oath of loyalty to the King 
of Great Britain that would require them to bear arms against their 
French ancestors, the British governor exiled them from their homes and 
confiscated their property in Eastern Canada beginning in 1755.
  This action caused great suffering among the Acadian people as they 
struggled to find a new home. Forced from their homes, many left for 
the American colonies. Ultimately, a small group of Acadians found 
their way to the Spanish colony of Louisiana in 1764. In the next 
twenty-five years, over 2,600 made the journey to Louisiana.
  These refugees ultimately settled in Louisiana and created the Cajun 
culture which has so richly influenced Louisiana since that time. While 
Louisiana culture benefited greatly from the Acadian expulsion, the 
suffering of the Acadian people must never be forgotten.
  Great Britain is one of our closest allies. We have a long history of 
cooperation and friendship. It is for this very reason I believe and 
hope the British government would acknowledge this tragic incident and 
the difficulties it caused for thousands of my Cajun ancestors.

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