New Systems
for Old Stories
Bridge to Pays de la Sagouine island
Celebrating Acadian History & Culture at Pays de la Sagouine
E
very summer, tens of thousands of tourists cross
the winding wooden bridge from Bouctouche,
NB to a small and quaint Acadian-themed island
and fishing village for a fun and informative trip
back in time.
Based on the classic works of New Brunswick
novelist, playwright, and scholar Antonine Maillet,
Pays de la Sagouine allows visitors to discover Acadian culture
through unique characters, theatre, music, comedy, dance, and
cuisine. The most celebrated of those characters is La Sagouine
herself – the lovable and legendary washerwoman of Maillet’s fic-
tional universe.
In 2016, recognizing the longstanding cultural and economic
impact of this unique attraction, the governments of Canada and
New Brunswick announced an investment of nearly $800,000 to mod-
ernize its offerings and ensure the experience could be treasured for
years to come.
34 • PROFESSIONAL SOUND
By Andrew King
“Le Pays de la Sagouine is a key cultural and tourism icon in
this region and one of the crown jewels of New Brunswick’s tourism
industry,” said Kent South MLA Benoit Bourque at the time of the
announcement. Federal Fisheries, Oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard
Minister Dominic LeBlanc added that it’s “among the top tourist at-
tractions in New Brunswick and a source of pride for Acadians every-
where – especially in Bouctouche.”
Up until her recent health-related retirement, actress Viola Léger
had been bringing this bilingual title character to life for o