19 janvier 2017 – Telegraph Journal

Acadian educator and activist Jean-Guy Rioux died wednesday at the age of 76

Jean-Guy Rioux Photo: the cANAdiAN Press

Jean-Guy Rioux, a long-time educator and Acadian activist who also helped organize the 2009 Congrès mondial acadien, died Wednesday at the age of 76. Born in , Rioux studied at l’Université de before embarking on a career in education that eventually led to a position as vice-president of UdeM’s Shippagan campus from 1979 to 1990. “Jean-Guy was a passionate champion of education and the Acadian culture within and across the country,” Premier Brian Gallant said in a statement on Wednesday. “A well-respected member of the community, Jean-Guy leaves a large legacy in the Acadian community, and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.” Rioux ser ved as president of the Société de L’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick for several years and was a Shippagan municipal councillor for 11 years. As president of the Société de L’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick, he played a key role in the review of New Brunswick’s new Official Languages Act. He was invested as a member of the Order of in 2012 and was awarded the Order of New Brunswick in 2016. “Jean- Guy Rioux dedicated his life to the development of Acadian culture and language,” Claudette Thériault, the chairwoman of the 2019 Congrès mondial 19 janvier 2017 – Telegraph Journal acadien, said in a statement Wednesday. “We are losing one of our greatest supporters. “Not only did the 2009 event attract more than 200,000 people, but the event made it possible for various municipalities of the Acadian Peninsula – where the event was held – to work together more than ever,” said Thériault. “It’s an immense loss for l’Acadie,” said Philippe Beaulieu, president of l’Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick, a group representing artists in the province. “He was one of those people who always have time to devote to a cause he believes in and who is not afraid to speak up.” Raymond Théberge, rector and vice-chancellor of l’Université de Moncton, said in a statement that Rioux’s contributions to the development of Canada’s francophonie on the international stage have been exceptional. “Mr. Rioux was greatly involved in the development of l’Acadie and its culture,” Théberge said. “The entire university community joins me in paying tribute to him.” Flags on the UdeM campuses in Moncton, Shippagan and Edmundston have been lowered to half-mast in tribute. Rioux is survived by his wife Paulette Sonier Rioux and his daughter, Marie-Claude Rioux.