St. Anne's Sunday - 400 Year Anniversary in July 2010


One great occasion for telling stories, exchanging news and generally catching up on things with friends and family has long been the annual St. Ann’s Day celebrations. Since the baptism of Grand Chief Membertou in 1610, St. Ann has been the patron saint of the Mi’kmaq people and her feast on July 26 has been an important celebration for many generations. Lennox Island plays host to a great gathering and festival on St. Ann’s Sunday. Since the early 1900’s it has been the most important social and religious event of the year. Much of Mi’kmaq traditional culture evolved over countless generations as a way of surviving the extreme weather of the Mi’kmaki the traditional Mi’kmaq territory.
One of the most dramatic moments in St. Ann’s Sundays of the past was the procession of canoes and dories across the channel toward Lennox Island as all in the boats sang Mi’kmaq hymns. The mass was often held outdoors to accommodate the numbers of worshippers and the altar was decorated with flowers. St. Anne’s Sunday was, and continues to be a grand occasion, if you are interested in attending, all are welcome.

St. Anne's Sunday List of Events (July 25, 2010):

9:00 AM - Departure from Low Point by Acadian Delegation
9:45 AM - Arrival at Lennox Island, Friendship Dance and exchange of gifts between Mi'kmaq and French-Acadian Delegation
10:00 AM - Mi'kmaq Veterans Memorial Service, Flag Raising and singing National Anthems. After the Canadian National Anthem, The Lieutenant Governor of PEI will give a brief speech. The Consul General of France will speak after the French National Anthem, sung by Angele Arsenault

Hon Paula Bigger, representing the Province will speak

Mi'kmaq flag will be raised
Chief Darlene Bernard will address the gathering. Mi'kmaq National Anthem will be sung

Acadian National flag will be raised. The Acadian National Anthem will be sung by Angele Arsenault.
The President of the National Acadian Society will speak on the relationship between the Mi'kmaq and the Acadians

Brigadier General Stack will say a few words.
After the Speeches we will have Chief Darlene do a roll call of the Mi'kmaq Soldiers who made the Supreme Sacrifice
10:40 AM - Unveiling of a Plaque honoring Acadians Remains buried in Cemetery
10:50 AM - Enter the Saint Anne's Church, led by the Military
11:00 AM - Celebration of the Holy Eucharist Maint Celebrant Most Reverend Bishop Grecco
11:45 AM - Parade
12:00 PM - Lobster Dinner in the Big Tent
1:30 PM - Re-enactment of the Baptism of Grand Chief Membertou
3:00 PM - Baby Contest
3:30 PM - Miss Lennox Island Contest
6:30 PM - Fireworks Display