A Loisir Radio Canada in French W. Perrin and Yan Patry

Public speaking about their dream vacations

(11:42) - Brancher sur le Coeur by Dit Butler (?)

(14:51) - Acadie a La Louisiane by Bruce Daigrepont

(17:48) - beginning of Perrin interview

(18:23) - What do you want to come from the petition to the British government?

Perrin answers: England had categorized the Cadiens were seen as criminals because that was the justification for the exile and to take over the land in Canada the Cadiens were on. Really they weren’t criminals and we want to change that.

(19:28) - It seems that you haven’t had any trouble in gathering people to join you in this petition?

Perrin answers: There is no one who is against this. I’m happy to say that there are people in Europe, France, Belgium, Romania, Africa, Canada, USA, all over. I have a lot of support for my petition

(20:00) - Who sent this petition?

Perrin answers: I sent it myself in January 1990 to the English government and the government engaged with advocates from Houston, Texas and we discussed the execution of the exile.

(20:26) - Has Mrs. Thatcher or the Queen personally reached out to you?

Perrin answers:  I received a phone call from the British Embassy in Washington D.C. and they told me the advocates in Houston would contact me and it’s coming up on three years that we have been discussing with these advocates.

(20:56) - When you started this petition, did you think it would take so long to uncover the truth about this story?

Perrin answers: I never doubted that it would take this long to recover this and I can’t tell how much longer it will take.

(21:37) - Were you always proud to be Acadien? In your family, has that pride always been alive?

Perrin answers: Of course. We even see the younger people who are proud of Cajun heritage and are learning to speak French and preserve the culture of the Acadiens in Louisiana.

(22:08) - Do you celebrate the 15th of August in Louisiana?

Perrin answers: Yes and the AJ Leblanc, director of Acadian Village will put together a big celebration for the anniversary

(22:44) - How did you come to host Yan Patry in your home?

Perrin answers: I met Yan at a conference where I presented my petition in Normandy. I was selected as one of 12 finalist for the conference on Human Rights and Yan’s father, Didier, was also one of the finalists. He asked if we would receive Yan for his vacation in Louisiana and he is staying with us for 5 weeks.

Yan Patry and Perrin:

(23:51) - Intro of Yan Patry

(23:52) - What did you know of the Acadians before your trip?

Patry answers: Absolutely nothing. I had to read up on the history of the Acadians before arriving here

(24:05) - And now, have you learned anything that surprised you?

Patry answers: Definitely. Mr. Perrin showed me fragments of Acadian life and I read a few books he recommended me. It’s impressive to see the persistence of the Acadian culture here. It’s so sad that the French abandoned this little piece of land but in all I’m very honored.

(24:37) - So you’ve met a few Cajun people?

Patry answers: Absolutely, they are so adorable and so kind, always willing to explain things.

(24:52) - Do you think we will see you at the next Congress Mondial 1994 in New Brunswick?

Patry answers: I would love to.

(25:04) - I’m sure you, Mr. Perrin, will not miss this?

Perrin answers: Absolutely not. We had a meeting with some officials here in Louisiana and we estimate that we will have about 2000 Louisianans at Congress this year.

(25:29) - Mr. Perrin, has Yan learned how to Two-Step yet?

Perrin answers: Of course.

(25:39) - Because for the party tomorrow, I’m sure we will be dancing. Alright, hugs to you both and happy 15th of August. We know you won’t hear this transmission where you are and we hope to see you for Summer 94.

Perrin and Yan: Merci beaucoup!

‘Aux Natchitoches’ - Zachary Richard song

***Audio ends***