Dear Mr. Chrétien,

It is with pride and excitement that I receive the annoucement of my appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada. This distinction was conferred on me for my involvement in the development of francophone culture in Canada, and in particular for my efforts in the organization of the first Congrès mondial acadien. Regarding the CMA, I wish to emphasize that I have not forgotten your participation and your help, thanks to which we were graced with the attendance of Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the Secretary General of the United Nations. I hope to use my new title to further enhance the development of Canadian francophone communities and to respond to francophone causes at an international level.

However, I wish to take this opportunity to undertake the process of supporting the petition of Warren Perrin, supporter of the Acadian cause in the United States. A pillar of his community and well-respected, Mr. Perrin presented to the British government, in January of 1990, a petition with the intention of demanding recognition of the wrongs imposed on Acadians at the time of the deportation from the British Crown beginning in 1755.

In his petition, Mr. Perrin holds that the deportation took place in times of peace and in violation of laws in force of that era. Based on current definitions, the exile of the Acadians is a violation of human rights. Therefore, the order of exile is still in force at this time because the Treaty of Paris excluded the Acadians from the terms of surrender. I believe, therefore, that this petition is very important and completely justified.

The petition of 1990 does not ask for any financial compensation, but it does ask that:

• the British government admit its mistake so that reconciliation can be acheived;
• the British government to declare an end to the exile;
• the end of the exile be emphasized by a physical symbol.

This would not be the first time the British government made a gesture of reconciliation or apology:

• In 1998, the British government apologized for having confiscated bank accounts of Jews and for having retained possession of those funds since World War II.
• In 1997, the Queen apologized symbolically for the deaths of 379 civilians killed by British forces in Amrisar, India in 1919
• In 1966, the Queen signed a document of reconciliation with the Maori people of New Zealand, to make amends for the wrongs suffered by their ancestors with the capture of their island in the 19th century.
• In 1997, British Prime Minister Tony Blair apologized to the Irish people for the actions of the British government during the potato famine of the 21st century.

An active promoter of Acadian culture and a defender of minorities, Mr. Perrin is at the forefront of numerous initiatives, one of which was the management of FrancoFête `99, a phenonemal success which managed to draw millions of participants during the 1999 tercentennial celebrations of the founding of Louisiana. It was during this event that the second Congrès mondial acadien took place, an event at which he also figured prominently. Recently, he has been honoured with five distinctions, one being the Ordre National du Mérite of the French government, and an honorary doctorate from Sainte-Anne University in Nova Scotia. You will find details about the petition and a profile on Mr. Perrin on the Internet at www.acadianmuseum.com/petition.html.

As the centre of modern Acadia is in New Brunswick, hence in Canada, it seems important to us that Northern Acadians, with the help of their Prime Minister, continue the process with the British government which Mr. Perrin started. More than anyone else, you have the power to see that the petition receives the attention it deserves.

I have the intention of carrying on the torch by writing a formal letter of support for this petition, in so far as founder and president of the first Congrès Mondial Acadien and as Member of the Order of Canada. I will deliver this letter in person, to Buckingham Palace, in London, next August 15th, on Acadia Day. I hope to give this letter to Sir Robin Janvrin KCVO, CB, a close adviser of the Queen, and to talk with him. I would greatly appreciate you referring me to the office of the Queen in order to make this meeting possible. Enclosed you will find the letter which has been prepared for Sir Janvrin.

We ask you, then, to intercede with the British government so that the Queen recognizes the wrongs inflicted upon the Acadians.