CARAQUET (CNB) - Two new bursaries valued at $2,500 each are being established to allow two young Louisiana residents to participate in French immersion programs at the Université de Moncton during the summer. Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement today.
"This initiative falls within priorities identified by Louisiana to promote the French language there," said Graham. "The young people will not only be able to improve their French, but also to develop new ties and build new networks."
The announcement was made at a news conference with Cajun singer Zachary Richard, and Daniel Thériault, executive director of the Festival Acadien de Caraquet. Richard and Thériault announced the launch of a school textbook on Acadian history and the Acadians of Louisiana, and the exchange of artists between the Festival international de Louisiane and the Festival acadien de Caraquet.
Graham said that he was pleased with the mutual advantages generated by co-operation with Louisiana.
"If we talk about renewing co-operation today, it doesn't mean that the co-operation is inactive," said Graham. "It's just the opposite. The projects we are announcing show how our relationship with Louisiana has matured, and will contribute to the development of new activities that will benefit both sides."
Graham noted the participation of many Louisianans in the World Acadian Congress currently taking place in the Acadian Peninsula, and said that their attendance shows the mutual attachment of New Brunswick and Louisiana to the co-operative relationship uniting them.
14-08-09