Characteristics
In the 2016 census, the Acadian community in Prince Edward Island boasted 4,865 people who speak French as their first official language.
The Acadians are concentrated mainly in Prince County, especially in the Évangéline region.
Prince Edward Island is known as the cradle of Canadian confederation, in 1864.
Francophone spokesbody
The Société Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin was founded in 1919. At a conference to set up an association in charge of “raising funds for the education of Acadian youth,” the need for such an organization was acknowledged. While its main objective was to raise funds for education, the Société also sought to foster the full development of French and Acadian life in Prince Edward Island. Generous support allowed the Société to lay down the solid foundation that has allowed it to become, today, the main spokesbody for the Acadian community in Prince Edward Island.
Twitter : @commSSTA
Immigration
The Prince Edward Island Coopérative d’intégration francophone (CIF) is the reception and settlement organization for Francophone newcomers to the province. Its principal mandate is to assist French-speaking newcomers who settle in PEI and to facilitate their social, economic, educational and cultural integration. The CIF also works to raise the host community’s awareness of the benefits of diversity and the importance of Francophone immigration. It also coordinates PEI’s Francophone integration network.
Information at www.tonile.ca, Twitter : @CIFIPE
Tourism
UA trip to PEI is more than red cliffs, peaceful sandy beaches and rolling green hills…more than fresh seafood, creative craftspeople and world-renowned golf…it’s all that and a little more. You will be welcomed with open arms in the boats, studios, home and hearts of the Acadians who live there.
Information at www.tourismpei.com, Twitter : @tourismpei
French second language – immersion
For people interested in French as a second language, there are organizations that help people connect with the language of Molière. One of these is Canadian Parents for French, in Charlottetown, which works with several immersion schools on the island.
Twitter : @CPF_PEI