Research summary
The Acadians are the descendants of the French who settled in Acadia during the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, a number made their way to other parts of North America, including Louisiana, where they formed the basis of the Cajun population. Dr. Michael Bruce, Canada Research Chair in Acadian and Transnational Studies, is studying the evolving links among the communities of the Acadian diaspora, specifically between Louisiana and the Acadian Maritimes community.
He is also exploring Francophone identities in Louisiana and the interactions between the Acadian diaspora and other transnational phenomena. Bruce and his research team are focusing on issues that involve collective memory in a multicultural context, such as the slaveholding adopted by Louisiana Acadians and the migrations from Nova Scotia to New England. They plan to share their knowledge within the local community and through media initiatives.