Mr. Elton J. Oubre
 eoubre@earthlink.net
Dear Mr. Oubre:
 
     Thank you for your correspondence of September 29, 2001, regarding the commemoration of Acadian history.  Your kind words about your recent vacation in
Canada and the services you received are also appreciated.

      Parks Canada has begun a management planning process for Melanson Settlement National Historic Site of Canada, and your comments have arrived at an opportune time.  The process is under way to determine the best possible services for this site, including heritage presentation of a modest nature. Your comments will be considered along with those already received.

     With respect to Parks Canada's efforts to preserve and commemorate many sites related to Acadian history and culture, the important redevelopment project now in progress at Grand-Pr E9 National Historic Site of Canada will feature major heritage presentation facilities that will assist visitors in understanding the complex story of the Acadians.  The presentations will tell visitors of the deportation of the Acadians and the history of those who settled along the marshes of the Bay of Fundy.
 
       Parks Canada can become involved in the protection of sites only if they have been designated as being of national historic significance by the Minister of Canadian Heritage on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the advisory body on historical matters.  The placing of markers, therefore, at all sites related to the history of Acadians is beyond the scope of Parks Canada's responsibilities.  Some of those places not presently recognized as national historic sites, and which are directly
associated with the story of the Acadians, are commemorated at sites such as Grand-Pre National Historic Site, and I agree that visitors would appreciate having information on their specific locations.
 
      Parks Canada works closely with the Acadian communities of Atlantic  Canada, including the Congre Mondial Acadien.  I have asked Mr. Gilles Babin, Field Unit Superintendent responsible for Grand-Pre National Historic Site, to consider your suggestions within the context of Parks Canada's redevelopment project under way at this site.  As a first step, Parks Canada could possibly assist in developing maps that would provide directions to the many sites you have identified.                                               

     You may be interested to know that a plaque text has been approved for the commemoration of Fort Latour and a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in spring 2002.  Parks Canada is also working with the Province of New Brunswick and the City of Saint John to explore opportunities for commemorating Fort Latour.
 
     Your interest in Parks Canada's Atlantic sites is appreciated, and I trust that this information is helpful.

Yours sincerely, Original signed by Christina Cameron for:
Tom Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada