The Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced today that the province has entered into a lease agreement with Comité Historique Acadien Prince Ouest Ltd., to lease twelve acres of Crown land located in Tignish.
The Comité Historique Acadien Prince Ouest Ltd. is a non-profit group committed to protecting the site of the birthplace of the first Acadian priest, Rev. S.E. Perry and the area where the first eight families arrived in the community in 1799. As well, the committee is working with volunteers to increase awareness of the unique history, heritage and the important contributions of the Acadian people.
"I believe this lease agreement is in keeping with the government's responsibility to preserve Island history, part of which is the unique history and heritage of the Acadian population . I would like to recognize the important contributions of the Acadian people and to commend the Comité Historique Acadien Prince Ouest Ltd. for their work to preserve this property as a heritage site, " stated Mr. Currie. "I wish the Comité and the Village of Tignish every success in their Bicentennial celebrations scheduled for 1999."
The Minister plans to attend a reception that will be held on Friday, April 3, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. in the cultural centre, Club Ti-Pa, at 231 Church Street in Tignish, when the lease will be signed.