Canadian History 11

Acadia co-existed with the Mi' kmaq. There were 3,000 here when the French first arrived. – Credited to the Italian explorer Giavanni de Verazzano in – He was impressed by the beauty of the trees of the Chesapeake Bay that he gave it the name Arcadia since it evoked images of ancient Greece.

 Came during the 17th century.  Over time they developed a unique way of life which found expression in their own language, customs and beliefs.  France’s way was to strengthen political and economic position  Colonization

 Tenant farmers  The settlers numbered about 300 men and 12 to 15 women.  La Hève, with its natural harbour and sheltered inlets, was a very good base for the fishing industry.

What they could not grow or make themselves they referred to the trade links with New England and with other French settlements. – Molasses, cooking pots, board axes, clay pipes, gunpowder, fabrics, and rum came through New England. – Through Louisbourg they obtained cottons, thread, lace, firearms and religious items from France.

The Acadians were fond of smoking Made clay pipes Using local red clay Acadians traded grains, cattle, and furs they had obtained from trapping and trade with the Mi'kmaq.

Like many people isolated by circumstances, the Acadians had a strong sense of community and performed many tasks together. Building and maintenance of the dykes.

 It became an occasion for work, fun, food and celebration.  Music on these occasions was often provided by fiddles and jaw harps.  Dancing was a big part of social occasions.  Firm sense of religion. Dates for celebration in the Catholic faith were extra special  They drank their own beer brewed from spruce or fir tree extracts.

 The had good relations with the Mi'kmaq.  Profited from trading links with New England and other French settlements.  They preferred to have no strong ties with either France or England, and avoided conflicts with them.

 Its purpose was to keep the sea water out, while allowing fresh water to irrigate the fertile land.  It took 2-4 years to cleanse the soil of salt.  Three metres at the bottom and rose to two metres high and a metre wide at the top.  The bottom had brush mats were constructed by laying small hardwood trees close together and alternating them end-to- end.  Marsh mud and grass were used to seal the wood together. ACADIAN DYKES IN THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY

Then posts were driven at an angle into the cross ties securing the brush mat below. Sods of grass from the marsh anchored the face of the dikes further sealing off the high tidewaters. The aboiteau was a hinged valve in the dyke which allowed fresh water to run off the marshes at low tide but which prevented salt water from flowing onto the dyked farmland as the tide rose. By the 1740, dikes were made much larger. – 17meters high – 13 meters wide ACADIAN DYKES IN THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY