La Baie en Joie

La Baie en Joie is Nova Scotia’s foremost Acadian dance troupe.  Originating from La Baie Sainte-Marie, an Acadian community in the picturesque south west region.  La Baie en Joie is one of the flagship performing ensembles in the province.  The captivating combination of their lively dance steps enriched by complex choreography has seduced and entertained audiences across three continents.

Since its beginnings in 1979, founder and artistic director, Anne-Marie Comeau, turned the rustic art of traditional step-dance into brilliant showmanship.  La Baie en Joie thus elevated the dance from a recreational pursuit to a dynamic and distinctively Acadian art that has thrilled the young and old in places such as the United States, France and in Germany. Their precision footwork, their faces lit by radiant smiles in addition to the inventive and innovative choreography and the sheer joy which the dancers exude on stage, has earned them a place at almost every important national and international occasion from the meeting of the G7 to royal visits….
   
These young Acadian performers, from the ages of 13 to 18, always succeed in joyfully entertaining their audiences and have earned an important place in the global world of the arts.  These young women are true ambassadors of the Acadian culture.  Within their own community as well as internationally, they are testimony to the strength of the Acadian people, past, present and future.

Grand Dérangement

Grand Dérangement is a group from the Saint Mary's Bay area of Southwestern Nova Scotia. The name Grand Dérangement refers to the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755, but the name also alludes to the group wanting to rouse its audience. The music is exciting, the show is a visual feast, and the highly poetic songs, while insightful, defy the audience to sit still. The bow fires up the fiddle...the sparks fly.
This award-winning group is very eclectic in its musical approach, drawing from such disparate musical inspiration as French chansonniers, folk, Celtic, rock, and Broadway. The rhythms are contagious, the dancers enthralling.

Grand Dérangement is ambitious in targeting an audience and has succeeded in acquiring an acclaimed international reputation. The group acts as an Acadian ambassador and its popularity in Europe and the United States is on the rise. The musicians are raising the profile of Acadians and Michel Thibault's songs are setting new standards for Acadian songwriting.

Grand Dérangement holds a special place in the world of French-language music. The group builds a bridge between the old and the new, between the local and the universal. Grand Dérangement is creating a new Acadian musical repertoire, one that will survive for as long as Acadian culture remains alive and vital.

Ryan Doucette

Ryan Doucette is an Acadian actor/comedian/mime from Clare, Nova Scotia. He began his career performing sketches at the Café Bric-a-brac at the Université Sainte-Anne. These sketches evolved into his one-man show, Ryan Doucette: Première Ronde. This show has brought audiences to their feet throughout Canada, the United States and France. It is presented in schools, theatres and at private functions in French and English. He has also performed with the theatre group, Les Araignées de boui-boui, at the World Theatre Conference in Tristan and Iseult and in the award-winning Wang-Fô at the Liverpool International Theatre Festival. Doucette previously appeared at Plutonium Playhouse in Cloudburst with an ensemble cast, and later reprised his role for the film adaptation, which will be released in 2011. In the film, Doucette stars alongside Oscar-winning actresses Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker.

Pam Thibault

Municipalité de Clare

Pam Thibault is the Energy Coordinator for the Municipality of Clare since 2010. She is responsible for the promotion and implementation of initiatives related to the Clare Energy Concept; a comprehensive inventory of energy usage in the Municipality with a plan for the region’s energy reduction and project development suggestions for the innovative use of renewable and green energy solutions.

With several years’ experience in project management on various energy-related and other initiatives, Pam has been a partner of the Municipality on this initiative since its inception in 2005.  Her previous experience includes project management as a Development Officer with the region’s RDA, an extensive insurance background as well as over ten years of professional involvement in community radio.

Pam is also an active volunteer on a number of committees and boards of directors such as La Chambre de commerce de Clare and La Caisse populaire de Clare.
 

Ed Matwawana

A husband and father of two talented sons, Ed moved to Canada in 1983, joining his family who fled Northern Angola in mid - 70's at the height of political upheaval in the land of his birth.  Upon his arrival, he attended the then Atlantic Baptist College before transferring to Acadia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences, majoring in Sociology and Psychology. Ed moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1988 and joined the workforce focusing on the area of people development and advocacy through Regional Residential Services Society (RRSS) and later the Black United Front of Nova Scotia (BUF) until the mid 1990s.

In 1995, Ed continued his work in the field of people development by adding the adult education and entrepreneurship components through the African Nova Scotian Training Centre (ANSTC) as director and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) where he currently serves as Regional Program Manager, committing many hours to help disenfranchised youth by providing them with support, resources and opportunities to promote self-growth and empowerment through the “Business of Life” concept.

He served on the board of the Music Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Talent Trust. As a founding member and past president of the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA), Ed helped develop, enhance, profile and promote many artists from the African Nova Scotian Community locally, nationally and internationally.

Ed is also a recording artist/producer and he could be seen on stage fronting his African World Beat band Afro-Musica at various festivals across Canada and overseas. A multi-award winner with the African Nova Scotian Music Awards and two-time East Coast Music Award nominee, Ed was also honoured in August 2003 by the Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC) with a Special Achievement Award for his work in promoting urban music in Eastern Canada.

In 2003, Ed received the National Humanitarian Griot Awards for his work with youth, community and the enhancement of African countries’ education and health systems. In January 2009, Ed was featured on the CBC TV program “Living Halifax” as one of Halifax’s Heroes for his involvement in community economic development, entrepreneurship education, work with troubled youth and his contribution to Canada’s music industry. 

To-date, Ed’s life can be summarized in these words: True leaders spend their energies nurturing other leaders.

Nolan d’Eon

Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd.

It is not by coincidence that Nolan D’Eon has succeeded in his quest to farm oysters in the waters of Eel Lake. Three to four hundred years ago native people knew Eel Lake was a summer fishing ground and oysters were harvested from it.

Nolan moved to Ste Anne du Ruisseau more than 25 years ago to raise his family. He built his home on the shores of Eel Lake and as he watched the lake he had a dream to one day make a living out of the bountiful waters. In 1995, with fishing in his blood he decided to make that dream a reality and has been "living the dream" ever since.

In the waters of Eel Lake, more than five million oysters can be found. Hard work, determination and a relentless quest for quality has made Eel Lake Oyster Farm a major producer of Atlantic Oysters. So, drop by for a tour or a sample - you'll find the "Oysterman" usually in the midst of a gathering, shucking his Ruisseau Oyster and yarning about a story or two that relates to his labour of love.

Pam Mood

Mood Coaching & Consulting
Dynamic, energetic and humorous, Pam Mood’s “tell-it-like-it-is” approach has made her a much sought-after workshop facilitator and motivational speaker!  Pam has the wonderful ability to connect with audiences and firmly believes that laugher and honesty break down walls, allowing much-needed information into our lives.

CEO of Mood Coaching & Consulting, Pam has traveled throughout Canada and the U.S. delivering hundreds of workshops with outstanding results.  Pam’s messages are invariably catalysts for the positive changes we’ve been seeking in our lives!

As Pam’s clients can attest, her passion and excitement are contagious in the most positive way, encouraging participants to reach new levels of effectiveness and happiness in both their personal and professional lives.  From students to CEOs of major corporations, Pam ensures the aim behind Mood Coaching & Consulting – “Challenging Your Potential” - is delivered!

Vernon d’Eon

Vernon d'Eon Lobster Plugs Ltd

Beginning in his back yard in 1975, Vernon d'Eon, a lobster fisherman, sold his fishing boat, gear and fishing rights to start on a venture that was risky at best, to manufacture wooden lobster plugs (pegs). Vernon bought out his good friend Benoit Pottier, who had just re-tooled his factory, to make millions of wooden pegs. Over 75 million pegs made and sold in 1978 to markets form New York to Newfoundland.

Pressure began in the fall of 1980 to have wooden pegs replaced with rubber bands. Writing was now on the wall - diversify into fishing supplies as soon as possible or be out of a job. In the summer of 1981, Vernon began selling long line ropes. From there the rest is history.

Vernon d'Eon Lobster Plugs Ltd. is a family owned business that prides itself on quality, innovative products and ideas and by far the best service a company can provide. Currently we have 7 fishing supply stores, with 5 delivery trucks, over 45 employees and ship products worldwide. www.vernondeon.com

Allister Surette

Mr. Surette is the President and Vice-chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne since July 1st 2011.

A merger of the former Université Sainte-Anne and of Collège de l’Acadie, Université Sainte-Anne of today was officially established on January 23, 2003.  Since April of 2000, Mr. Surette played a key role in the development and the creation of this new Francophone post-secondary institution. In January of 2003, he was appointed Vice-president of Development and Partnerships of this institution.

Allister Surette was the President/CEO of Collège de l’Acadie from September 1998 to January 2003.  Collège de l’Acadie was the only francophone community college in Nova Scotia.  The Collège was a pioneer in distance education, offering technical and professional training through its videoconferencing systems and the internet.  Upon arrival at Collège de l’Acadie, he assumed the leadership of a new strategic direction and a new operational structure in order to better position the Collège for the 21st century.

Mr. Surette was elected Member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Argyle in May 1993.  For the period covering 1993 to 1998, he assumed the following responsibilities: Deputy House Leader, special advisor for the establishment of the Acadian and Francophone public school system in the Province of Nova Scotia, Human Resource Minister, Minister responsible for the Youth Secretariat, Minister responsible for Acadian Affairs, president of a committee for economic and tourism development in the South West Nova region, and Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Mr. Surette has also been actively involved with numerous committees and organisations, notably Chairman and founding member of the committee responsible for the organization of the third World Acadian Congress (CMA 2004) in Nova Scotia in 2004 and Chairman and founding member of the Francophone Economic Development Council of Nova Scotia (CDÉNÉ). He is still a member of the CDÉNÉ. He is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of Assumption Life and of Société Promotion Grand-Pré. From September 2000 to November 2002, Mr. Surette was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Network of Cégeps and Francophone Colleges of Canada (RCCFC) and was a director of this Board from 1999 to 2003.  In 2001, Mr. Surette was a member of Industry Canada’s National Broadband Task Force and was also a member of the National Selection Committee of Industry Canada’s pilot project, Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND).

In December 2003, Mr. Surette was appointed facilitator by the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to lead discussions between herring fishers from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, as well as the provincial governments of these two provinces, in order to seek solutions to the conflict in the herring fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. And, in March of 2006, again appointed by the Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Surette facilitated an independent process to resolve a dispute between fishers from Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands regarding lobster fishing on MacLeod’s Ledge.

Neil Joseph Le Blanc

A respected politician in Nova Scotia, Neil Le Blanc has extensive field experience in leadership.

In 1980 he started to work in the family seafood business in Yarmouth County. Three years later, he became General Manager for the Atlantic Herring Cooperative Ltd, a seafood cooperative.

From 1984 to 1993, he was elected at the age of 28 as the MLA for the District of Argyle. He has held numerous cabinet positions including Solicitor General and Minister of Government Services.

He returned to political office and was re-elected in 1998 and in 1999. Mr. Le Blanc was appointed to numerous cabinet positions including Minister of Finance, Minister of Business & Consumer Services, Minister Responsible for NS Resources, Minister Responsible for NS Gaming Corporation and Minister Responsible for Acadian Affairs.

In 2003, he retired from provincial politics and assumed the position as CAO for the Municipality of Argyle.

In 2006, he was appointed as Consul General for a 4 year term by the Government of Canada to lead the Canadian Consulate based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Upon his return, he became engaged with his seafood company.

Mr. Le Blanc has received several awards such as:

• Leger Comeau Certificate awarded by the FANE
• Received an Honorary Degree in Political Science from Université Sainte-Anne
• The Order of the Pleiades awarded by  the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie

Robert Saulnier

Robert Saulnier was born in 1964 in Saulnierville, Southwestern Nova Scotia. On 23 June 2007, he took over the family business, La Râpure à Évelina, to preserve and continue the work his mother, the founder of this prosperous enterprise, had started in 1975. The company prepares dishes specific to the Acadian culture, such as the famous râpure.

Robert is deeply committed to preparing dishes associated with Acadians, such as râpure and fishcakes, because his Acadian roots run deep and very strong.

Robert has great ambitions for his business. This dynamic entrepreneur wants it to prosper and grow. He is constantly seeking to diversify his product line and invent new products. Nothing would make him prouder than to popularize Acadian cuisine outside traditional Acadian regions.

Chef Jonathan Joseph

Ye Olde Argyler Lodge

Born and raised in South Florida, Jonathan Joseph is owner/operator of the Ye Olde Argyler Lodge in Lower Argyle, NS. He’s been working in kitchens ever since he was old enough to start working. After spending several years in various restaurant settings and having worked almost every position in the kitchen, Jonathan went on to attend Florida International University’s Hospitality program in pursuit of his degree. He graduated manga cum laude, with degrees in hotel and restaurant management. While at University he worked in the food labs as a teaching assistant and student instructor. During his schooling and upon completion he helped organize one of the world’s largest food and wine festivals; South Beach Food and Wine. His participation with the annual festival provided him the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s greatest chefs, such as Bobby Flay, Aaron Sanchez, Mary Sue Milligan, Susan Fenigar, and Jonathan Eismann to name a few. With over 18 years of experience in the culinary industry, Jonathan has made South West Nova Scotia his home since 2007, and brought along with him his love and passion for food and hospitality.

Jean-Paul Deveau

Personal Information

Mr. Deveau was born in Moncton, New Brunswick.  He obtained his B.Sc. at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1979, his Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial) with distinction from the Technical University of NS, Halifax, NS (now Dalhousie University) in 1981 and his M.B.A. (Small Business) from McGill University, Montreal, Quebec in 1986 where he received the McGill Associates Medal for Great Distinction.

From 1981-1984, he worked for Imperial Oil Limited in Sales and Marketing positions in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Quebec.

Mr. Deveau’s involvement in the seaweed industry began in 1986 when he took the position of Director of Marketing for Acadian Seaplants Limited.  In this capacity he established Acadian Seaplants in global agricultural markets emphasizing the use of kelp meal and seaweed extracts.  In 1994, Mr. Deveau became the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing and was responsible for the development of sales and marketing for all product lines including kelp meal, seaweed extracts and cultivated edible seaweeds.  In 1996, Mr. Deveau became Vice-President and General Manager of the company and managed four major manufacturing facilities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick from a corporate office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.  He became President of ASL on May 24, 2002. 

Community Service

Jean-Paul Deveau is a past chair and currently serves on the Board of BioNova (the Nova Scotia Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry Association).  He sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (Nova Scotia Chapter), is a member of the Nova Scotia Premier’s Council on the Economy, was Chair of the 2011 Canada Winter Games, and is a member of Council of the International Seaweed Association (an international group of academic and industrial users of seaweed responsible for organizing international seaweed symposia). 

Recreational Interests 

Jean-Paul is an avid recreational skier and is also a ski instructor for people with disabilities.  

Jean-Paul Deveau’s personal awards follow:

• 2011 – Honorary Associate from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College
• 2011 – Le grand bénévole de l’année, Le Conseil communautaire du Grand-Havre, (Volunteer of the Year Award)
• 2009 – 2010 Volunteer Instructor of the Year, Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing

Chris Frotten

The Municipality of Argyle has been chosen as the host community for the 33rd Finale des Jeux de l’Acadie. Coordinator Chris Frotten has been involved with the Jeux de l’Acadie for many years. As Coordinator, Chris works very closely with the organizing committee in planning one of the most unique and largest gatherings of Acadian youth. From June 29th to July 3rd 2012, over 1,000 young athletes aged 10 to 16 and thousands of coaches, friends, parents and tourists will gather in our beautiful part of Nova Scotia.