Following the local governance reform of January 1, 2023, the Town of Shippagan, the Village of Le Goulet, the LSD of Haut-Shippagan, a portion of the LSD of Shippagan, the LSD of Baie du Petit Pokemouche, the LSD of Pointe-Sauvage, the LSD of Inkerman Centre, as well as portions of the LSDs of Évangéline and Caraquet, were merged to form a single municipality.
This union has allowed for the harmonization of services, improved local governance, and strengthened citizen representation, while respecting the unique characteristics of each integrated community.
The name Shippagan is said to originate from the Mi'kmaq word Sepagun-chiche, composed of the roots:
- sebaase (to pass)
- owokun (portage or passage)
- chiche (duck)
This name would mean " duck passage ", recalling a place traditionally frequented by the Mi’kmaq, used as a passage and portage area between sea and land.
It testifies to the deep connection between Shippagan and the surrounding maritime nature.
Earlier historical information remains accessible as archival documents at Shippagan Town Hall.
For over forty years, Shippagan and Loudun have maintained a bond of friendship and cooperation based on culture, education, and Francophonie. This twinning illustrates our town's openness to the world and the importance of human exchanges that unite communities here and abroad.
Shippagan Heritage is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the historical and cultural richness of our community. Since 2014, this citizen committee has been committed to keeping Shippagan's collective memory alive through projects, archives, and testimonials that celebrate our municipality's unique identity.
For over forty years, the twinning between Shippagan and Loudun has symbolized friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between two Francophone communities united by history and culture. This special relationship, established in 1981, is built on human, educational, and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich both towns.
Here is an overview of the key milestones and individuals who have helped build this lasting bond.
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The twinning between Shippagan and Loudun was formalized in 1981.
Mr. René Monory, Senator and Mayor of Loudun, along with Mr. Jean C. Chiasson, Mayor of Shippagan, were the initial instigators of this project.
This twinning has led to numerous educational, social, and cultural activities and exchanges.
Over the years, strong friendships have been forged between the two communities and continue to thrive today.
The success of this twinning relies on the constant commitment and sustained involvement of citizens from both towns.
Host families have played an essential role by generously opening their homes, thus fostering unforgettable human and cultural exchanges.
Dedicated individuals have also left their mark on the twinning's history:
• In Loudun, Ms. Michèle Touret served as president from 1981 to 2019.
• In Shippagan, Mr. Jean-Guy Rioux served as president from 1981 to 2017.
These passionate ambassadors have helped promote Acadia and strengthen the ties between our two communities.
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Front row : Lucie Mallet, Secretary; Paulette Sonier-Rioux, Vice-President; and Edith Robichaud, President
Back row : Bernard Morin, Treasurer; Louise Mailhot, Councillor; Marie-Lou Noël, City Representative; and Laurent Robichaud, Councillor.
December 6, 2021
In recognition and to mark the 40th anniversary of the twinning between Shippagan and Loudun, the Municipality of Shippagan inaugurated the Loudun Room at City Hall.
This ceremony brought together:
This symbolic moment marks a renewed commitment between France and Acadia and celebrates the continuation of a wonderful collaboration.
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September 2023
On September 2, 2023, a delegation of twelve people from our region flew to France, bound for Loudun.
The last official visit from Shippagan to Loudun was in 2011. After the Loudun residents' visit in 2019, the committee planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary on site, but the COVID-19 pandemic postponed this project.
Since 2019, Loudun residents have virtually participated in several events: the Acadian Peninsula Book Fair, the Music Festival, and Francophonie Day.
Warmly welcomed by Loudun families, the delegation members were able to discover the region, exchange with their counterparts, and strengthen ties between the two communities.
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In 2014, recognizing a need for better promotion of local heritage, a small group, led by Lucie Mallet, came together to form a heritage committee. Their goal was to launch projects to raise awareness of Shippagan's heritage, develop outreach tools, and seek financial support from government bodies and other partners.
This community-led initiative marked the beginning of a structured approach to protecting Shippagan's heritage.
As a maritime, academic, and welcoming municipality, Shippagan is constantly evolving, attracting new residents, students, and visitors. In this growing diversity, it is essential for every citizen to learn about and embrace local history, a true collective wealth. Archives form the foundation of this work: they provide access to primary sources, documents, books, and photographs that are more reliable than mere online content. This educational and cultural mission is what Patrimoine Shippagan strives for, by fostering discovery, memory, and pride within our community.
In 2015, the committee chose to incorporate to establish a legal identity and a solid structure. Thanks to the financial support of the Municipality of Shippagan, this incorporation allowed for the launch of several concrete projects aimed at documenting, preserving, and sharing local heritage.
Members of the Board of Directors
An AGM is scheduled for next March to renew the committee.
Advisors: Several individuals serve as advisors to assist with certain projects, such as Marielle Boudreau, Guysma Haché, Clermont Mallet.
Since its inception, Patrimoine Shippagan has undertaken numerous documentation, exhibition, and preservation projects, as listed in the annual activity reports submitted to the City. These reports detail the progress of the initiatives and will soon be available on the municipal website.
Since 2021, Patrimoine Shippagan has had an office provided by the municipality, located at: 196, avenue Hôtel-de-Ville at the Community Services Centre. This location serves as an administrative, documentation, and coordination center for the municipality's heritage activities.
Four annual meetings are scheduled in spring, summer, fall, and winter. These meetings allow subcommittees to present the progress of their projects. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held every April, accompanied by the publication of a comprehensive activity report to ensure the transparency and continuity of initiatives.
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Discover Shippagan through the voices of its builders and the places that have shaped its history. These video capsules trace significant moments of our heritage and pay tribute to those who have forged our collective identity.
Listen to Armand Caron tell the fascinating story of the Pavillon Irène-Léger and the Université de Moncton, campus de Shippagan, true pillars of community development.
In this emotional segment, Gaëtane Manzerolle-Haché brings to life the remarkable history of Café Royal. This tribute honors Mr. Raoul Manzerolle, a passionate builder and a prominent figure in Shippagan.
It tells the story of the Irish community of Shippagan and the importance of La P’tite Église, a symbolic place of gathering and faith.
Design: Paul Duguay
The design primarily represents a tree (symbolizing life and rootedness).
Here's how it breaks down:
Shippagan offers all levels of education and stands out for its research institutions that contribute to its development. A vibrant community where it's good to live, work, and visit.
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