Lesson Plan - Student Worksheet - Bibliography/Resources EPISODE: 6 "Acadian Spirit" Directed by Peter D'Entremont & Lindalee Tracey SYNOPSIS This is the intriguing story of one person's search for his historical roots in Canada. Peter D'Entremont's search not only takes the viewer on a road through Canada's past but also explores the true spirit of what it means to be an Acadian. KEY IDEAS Hardships of settling new land Need to know one's family roots The contribution of Acadians to Canada KEY TERMS Acadian Scurvy Port Royal Grande-Pré Deportation OBJECTIVES To appreciate the need to know one's past To understand the reasons for the deportation of the Acadians To know what it means to be an Acadian To analyze the impact the deportation had on the Acadians To evaluate the role Acadians played in the development of specific parts of North America STUDENT ACTIVITIES Imagine you are an Acadian being forcibly deported. Write a poem about your feelings as you are forced to board a ship, leaving the rest of your family behind. Form groups of three. Pretend you are Acadians in 1755. You have just heard about the ultimatum the governor has given to your people. One of you believe you should say the oath, another that you should not, while the third is unsure. Write a dialogue showing the two clear points of view. The third person should be sure to draw out the arguments of the two who have already made up their minds. Create a painting or picture that depicts an aspect of the Acadian way of life or the story of their deportation. Debate the following: The British were justified in their deportation of the Acadians The French abandoned the Acadians Separate cultural identities, including Acadians, enrich a nation. Research places where Acadians settled after their deportation. Using place names, determine where Acadians may have settled on a map of Louisiana. Research and write an essay on the following thesis: Though only a small percentage of the population, Acadians have had a much greater impact on North America than their numbers would warrant. Research Acadian food, including their influence on "Cajun Cooking". Have the class prepare an Acadian or Acadian related dish and bring it to class. The significance of each dish should be explained as well as how this dish is Acadian. In a group, create a storybook for grade 3 or 4 about the story of the Acadians. Top of Page