Historical Context of Acadian Society

In the 1950s most of Acadian society was poor, uneducated, isolated, and dominated by the Roman Catholic clergy.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

In the following decade two individuals, Pierre E. Trudeau and Louis J. Robichaud, pointed the way for Acadians like Savoie to make important contributions to Canada's development.

Trudeau's Objective

Trudeau's objective was Canadian unity and he turned to Acadie to show Quebec that there was a viable French Canadian presence outside their borders.

Robichaud's Mission

Robichaud, New Brunswick's first elected Acadian premier, had witnessed Acadian poverty first hand and made it his mission to bring New Brunswick into the modern era.

Impact and Legacy

Savoie shows how their efforts led to fundamental change for both Canada and New Brunswick and changed his life.