The marshlands of Grand Pré were first settled by the Acadians in the late 17th century. Recognizing the area as potentially excellent farmland, they diked the low lying area to hold back the waters of the Bay of Fundy. This was not an inconsiderable task, as the Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world, over fifty feet in certain areas. For over half a century the Acadians farmed the land, until 1755.
This was the year in which the
Grand Derangement began, with the British expelling the French citizens of Maritime Canada (then still a British Colony), forcibly moving them to France and many other ports of call from 1755 to 1764. As of July 11, 1764 the Acadians were allowed to return, provided that they take an unqualified oath of allegiance. Many did return, though many died during the expulsion and many chose to remain in France or emigrate to other areas.
Today the Grand Pré area has become the single most important
lieu de mémoire of the Acadian people, symbolizing their strength, perseverance and triumphed over hardships.
A bronze plaque, emblematic of World Heritage Site status, is mounted in
Landscape of Grand Pré View Park, a park managed by Parks Canada. It is situated along the north side of Old Post Road in Grand Pré overlooking the reclaimed farmland below, which stretches to the dykes at the shore of the Bay of Fundy.
The United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.
Due to the powers vested in its
Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more.
The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
The UN's Chief Administrative Officer is the
Secretary-General.
This year, 2015, marks the
70th anniversary of the United Nations.
From the United Nations