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My work is representative of the mixing of the European and Aboriginal cultures, that are part of my ancestry. My wife discovered my Mi'kmaq/Abenaki heritage while researching my genealogy and recently I claimed my status as a member of the Metis Nation of Ontario. I have always known there were Native people in my ancestry through family rumors and photographs, but it wasn't until my genealogy was researched that I found out exactly what tribe we came from.
Not only do I draw on my Native heritage for inspiration, but also my European ancestry. I am proud to be a direct descendant of many Acadian pioneers, who were expelled from their homes. This is commonly referred to as, "The Great Expulsion" or "The Acadian Deportation" , which occurred in the mid 1700's when many of my ancestors were forcibly removed from their lands. My family tree bears the Acadian surnames LeJeune, Martin, LeBlanc, Dugas, Petitous, Pellerin, Bourg, Savoie, Boudrot, Landry and others. You can read more about the Acadian's and the tragic events they endured through visiting the Acadian Ancestral Home.
Nicolas Perrot, one of Canada's famous French pioneers is my 8th Great Grandfather. Nicolas first came to Canada with the Jesuit priests at which time he visited many of the Native tribes and learned their languages. Later he would drop out of the Jesuit order and become an explorer, fur trader and interpreter for the Native tribes and the French authorities at the time. He is said to of been France's best representative among the Indians in the western territories of French North America. He was able to learn languages and customs of native tribes and earned their esteem and confidence. You may find out more about Nicolas Perrot, at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.
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