Sainte Croix Island 2004
The year 2004 will mark the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the first permanent European settlement in North America. The United States and Canada pooled their resources and their efforts in order to organize activities and thus to commemorate this international event which marks the beginning of European colonization in North America. For this purpose, both governments created, in 1996, the Ste-Croix 2004 Coordinating Committee composed of 21 Canadians and Americans.

Several projects were suggested during a seminar organized, in 1995, by the International Commission of the Sainte Croix River. Many might be developed by the Coordinating Committee but budgets are tight. By organizing activities and events, the Ste-Croix 2004 Coordinating Committee wishes to raise awareness among people about the Sainte Croix Island and its history. The Committee also wants to support the Sainte Croix Island development and the preservation of its historical heritage. Here are some draft projects:

• Commemorative stamps and coins
• Replica of Pierre Dugua de Mons' ship, La Bonne Renommée
• Cultural activities, music festival, and culinary events between 2004 and 2005
• Sainte Croix Island Week from June 26 to July 4, 2004: according to historians, June 26 might be the day the first European colonists arrived on Sainte Croix Island
• Local programming for all ages and connected to the themes of 1604
• Re-enactment of the landing of Sainte Croix Island
• Sainte Croix Island Habitation Reconstruction Project: this historic site would be located in Bayside, New Brunswick.

However, if these projects could not be implemented by the Coordinating Committee, a memorial will be unveiled during a commemorative ceremony. Musicians and actors will re-tell to guests the adventures lived by French settlers and the tragic winter of 1604.

For further information, visit http://www.stecroix2004.org/en/plans.htm