News Release
Acadian Writers to be Honoured
(Tuesday, May 18/2004)-- Two pioneers of Acadian literature are to be honoured at this year's Atlantic Writing Awards, which are being held in Halifax later this week.
Mayor Peter Kelly has been asked to present awards to Edith Comeau-Tufts and Felix Thibodeau, who are being recognized for their distinguished literary contributions. The awards ceremonies will be held at 4:00 p.m. this Friday (May 21, 2004) at the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth.
Edith Comeau-Tufts, a native of Saulnierville, Digby County has devoted her life to the promotion of the French language and Acadian culture in Nova Scotia. In 1977, her first book, Acadienne de Clare was published. This was followed in 1979 with the publication of two children's books, Le Petit Acadien and Esprit de Noel. For the past quarter of a century, she has toured the schools and libraries of the province introducing audiences to the growing body of Acadian literature. Madame Comeau-Tufts has previously been honoured with the Order of Canada and an honorary doctorate from Universite Ste. Anne, among other awards.
Felix Thibodeau, a native of Church Point, is the first Acadian in Nova Scotia to write an entire work in Acadian French. Following his teaching career of 34 years, he was a journalist for Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. The success of his early writing led to the publication of Dans note temps avec Marc et Philippe in 1976. In 1985, he published a novel, La pierre magique. This was followed by a dictionary of the Acadian French of St. Mary's Bay in 1991 and subsequently a book on the geography of Clare.
Mayor Kelly said "In this year of Acadian celebrations, it is fitting that the two pioneers of Acadian writing are being honoured by the Atlantic Writing Awards. HRM is proud to be the host community for this very important ceremony."
Winners of the Atlantic Writing Awards will be announced at the ceremonies on Friday.
-30--
Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
Paul Robinson, Chair
Dartmouth Book Awards
469-9128
