Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement

2025 Governors Awards

Église Sainte-Marie | Joey Robichaud

The National Trust for Canada’s Board of Governors has presented the Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement with a Governors’ Award for their steadfast dedication and innovative approach to saving the Église Sainte-Marie. 

Built between 1903 and 1905 by 1,500 Acadian volunteers, Église Sainte-Marie is not only a marvel of architecture but also a lasting symbol of Acadian culture, ingenuity, faith, and resilience following the 1755 Expulsion.  

Founded in 2024, the Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement was formed by local citizens to safeguard and give new life to the Église Sainte-Marie — a cherished Acadian landmark located in Church Point, Nova Scotia. When the church closed in 2019 and faced demolition as early as 2025, the Association rallied the community, building a diverse network of local leaders, heritage experts, and supporters from across the province, the country, and beyond.  

Through the Association’s determination, the campaign to save Sainte-Marie has gained international attention, resulting in a Heritage Alert issued by ICOMOS earlier this year. Today, the group continues to draw support to advance plans to restore the site and transform it into a dynamic heritage and cultural centre – ensuring it remains a source of pride for generations to come.   

The Governors have chosen to highlight this project as an ongoing example of community-driven heritage conservation — showing how grassroots leadership can protect cultural identities and reimagine the future of heritage places.