Brayon
Brayons (/breɪˈjɒ̃/; French pronunciation: [bʁɛjɔ̃]), also called Madawaskayens, are a francophone people inhabiting the area in and around Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada, and some parts of northern Maine. In French, Brayons are referred to by the masculine les Brayons or the feminine les Brayonnes. They speak with a French accent also known as "Brayon".
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Canada, concentrated in the Madawaska region of New Brunswick. | |
| Languages | |
| French (maternal language), English (as a second language) | |
| Religion | |
| Primarily Roman Catholic | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| French, Québécois, Acadians, Cajun, French-speaking Quebecer, Franco-Ontarian, Franco-Manitoban, French American |
Given their location in New Brunswick, and that most Brayons descend from Acadians who escaped the Deportation of the Acadians, they are considered by many to be Acadians. However, some residents relate more to Quebec and have strong roots and ancestral ties to Quebec. The Madawaska region was part of a border dispute and was claimed by Quebec when it was called Lower Canada. Brayons have a distinctive culture with a history and heritage linked to farming and forestry in the Madawaska area, unlike both the primarily maritime heritage of the modern Acadians and the St. Lawrence Valley history of the Québécois.