Flags are at half-mast at all provincial buildings to honour a celebrated figure in Canadian literature.
Antonine Maillet, who was born in Bouctouche, passed away at her Montreal home early Monday at age 95.
Premier Susan Holt said as a powerful storyteller and proud Acadian, Maillet had a profound impact on our province’s cultural fabric.
“Through her words, she inspired Acadians to deeply connect with their heritage and invited the world to have a front row seat to New Brunswick’s vibrant Acadian culture,” Holt said in a statement Tuesday.
“Her lasting legacy is a testament to the spirit of Acadie and a celebration of the French language.”
Maillet brought Acadian stories to life over some 50 different works, including her play La Sagouine, which made her a household name.
She became the first Canadian writer to receive the prestigious French literary award Prix Goncourt in 1979 for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette.
In addition, Maillet became the first woman to serve as chancellor of l’Université de Moncton, a position she held from 1989 until 2000.
Among her many accolades, she was a recipient of the Order of New Brunswick and a companion of the Order of Canada.
