MONCTON, June 7, 2004 -- The Government of Canada today released details of the official international commemoration event marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadie and the first French settlement in North America. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2004, at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Bayside, New Brunswick. The general public is invited to participate in the celebrations.From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Government of Canada will present a cultural program on the theme of Acadie: First Dialogues - The Meeting of Two Worlds. The site will be open to the public at 1 p.m. and a musical showcase highlighting traditional music and featuring various artists will begin at 3 p.m.Well known artists Wilfred LeBouthillier, Édith Butler, Vishten, Glamour Puss, Tibert, Drum, Les Muses, and Lennie Gallant will showcase the cultural excellence of Acadie and La Francophonie.In addition, the Royal Canadian Mint will unveil a new circulation coin commemorating the French settlement at Saint Croix Island in 1604 and the significant contribution of the Acadian people to Canada's rich culture and history.For more information, please visit the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.caInformation:Claudine Daigle Director of Communications Canadian Heritage, Atlantic Region (506) 851-3980 Eileen Melnick McCarthy Acting VP, CommunicationsRoyal Canadian Mint(613) 993-5092
