NOTE: A list of the Ordre de la Pléiade recipients follows this release.
Nine members of the Acadian and francophone community will join the Ordre de la Pléiade during a ceremony at Province House today, May 24.
The Ordre de la Pléiade is an international honour bestowed by the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. Nominations were submitted to the bureau in January by the Nova Scotia section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, which is overseen by the Speaker’s Office and includes all elected members.
“Acadians and francophones are showing tremendous leadership in their life-long work toward building a stronger Nova Scotia,” said Acadian Affairs Minister Michel Samson. “As we welcome nine outstanding Nova Scotians into the Ordre de la Pléiade, I offer my most sincere gratitude for their invaluable contributions to Nova Scotia’s vibrant Acadian community.”
The nine Nova Scotians are being recognized for contributions to the Acadian and francophone community in education, cultural pride, community development, film and documentary making, journalism, writing and editing, religious support, advocating on behalf of seniors, historic archives development, health, women rights, music, community radio and preservation of the French language and culture.
The recipients will be appointed Grade de Chevalier (Knight), one of the five classes in the Ordre de la Pléiade. The Grade de Chevalier is awarded to people from the political, social, scientific or literary worlds for service to the Francophonie, who distinguished themselves by carrying out the ideals of the Assemblée de la Francophonie.
“The achievements of this year’s Ordre de la Pléiade medal recipients set an excellent example for young Acadian and francophone families to follow,” said Iain Rankin, chair of the Nova Scotia section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. “I wish the recipients success as they continue their outstanding work.”
The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophone brings together sections in four regions: Africa, America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Its mandate is to promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and allow for the prospering of the French language and cultural diversity around the world.
Source: Release