Abstract
This paper examines the probability of regional revitalization based on the Acadian heritage in the Maritime Provinces, Canada. In particular, the study focuses on the recent designation of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption) as a national historic site. Data compiled from the Directory of Federal Historic Designa-tions on the website of Parks Canada were analyzed in addition to field surveys conducted in 2017 and 2019 . Although the system of national historic sites and designations in Canada was initiated in 1919 , particular attention has been paid to the history of Aboriginal people, women, and ethnocultural communities since the 1990 s. The Acadians are a French-speaking minority group in the Maritime Provinces, which consist of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Until recently, the majority of the national historic sites with regard to their heritage were the ruins built in the period of the French colonial regime or European conflict in North America before the mid- 18 th century. In 2017 , when Canada celebrated the 150 th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada announced the designation of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral in Moncton, New Brunswick, as a national historic site. The plaque unveiling ceremony was held on August 15 , 2019 , during the 6 th World Acadian Congress. Built in 1939 – 1940 , the cathedral has been regarded as a symbol of the resilience of the Acadians, who experienced difficulty as a minority group for a long time. Although the designation enhanced the value of the cathedral as a cultural heritage, it was reborn as a digital museum featuring Acadian history using the newest technology, such as projection mapping. Thus, the cathedral is expected to contribute to regional revitalization, through modes like roots tourism by Acadian descendants who live throughout North America.
