2026 Recipients

A doctor turned patron, educator, and builder of cultural development whose commitment shaped the artistic and heritage identity of Madawaska and Acadia. A queer artist and philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire cultural and community life in Atlantic Canada. A visionary artist and pioneer of occupational therapy who put craftsmanship at the service of well-being, economic autonomy, and the vitality of rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The lives and legacies of these remarkable Atlantic Canadians will be honoured through the John Bragg Award for Atlantic Canada. The award is a granting program made possible by the River Philip Foundation, dedicated to preserving and promoting the histories of people whose contributions shaped the region.

Each organization will receive a $50,000 grant for a project to share the stories of inspiring people who have shaped Atlantic Canadian history and society. 

The 2026 recipients are:

Dr Paul-Carmel Laporte, « un artiste dans l’âme »

Société historique du Madawaska, Edmundston, New Brunswick

The project highlights the life and legacy of Paul-Carmel Laporte (1885–1973), a physician, cultural promoter, and philanthropist from northwestern New Brunswick. Founder of the Madawaska School of Art, the Madawaska Historical Museum, and the Canadian Federation of Wood Carvers, Laporte trained several leaders of Acadian art and contributed to the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. The initiative includes a museum exhibition, a publication in the Revue de la Société historique du Madawaska, a series of lectures, a travelling tour throughout Madawaska, and Laporte’s nomination to the Edmundston Arts Hall of Fame. Support from the John Bragg Award will allow the organisation to hire students for research, writing, and exhibition panel design, as well as cover material and printing costs.

La Vieille Maison — Saving Built Heritage, Saving Stories

La Société Vieille Maison Association, Meteghan, Nova Scotia

La Vieille Maison — Saving Built Heritage, Saving Stories aims to complete the preservation of La Vieille Maison, a nationally significant Acadian heritage site located in Meteghan, Nova Scotia, and to remove barriers to public access. This house, a symbol of Acadian resilience following the expulsion, is closely linked to Adolphe Robicheau, a queer artist and philanthropist who left a mark on the cultural life of Atlantic Canada. The project proposes three main activities: the restoration of the main entrance and its historic windows, as well as the construction of an accessible washroom building which will allow the site to meet accessibility standards and welcome visitors, educational programs, and community gatherings. These interventions will strengthen the building’s infrastructure, ensure safety, and preserve the authenticity of the site. By supporting this work, the project can allow La Vieille Maison to continue sharing the story of Adolphe Robicheau and Acadian heritage with a wider audience while reinforcing its role as a place of culture, learning, and community inspiration.

Jessie Luther — Craft and Community Advocate

Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (Heritage NL), St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Jessie Luther Project highlights the life and legacy of Jessie Luther (1860–1952), an artist and pioneer of occupational therapy who contributed to the social and economic development of rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador through Grenfell Industries. Trained at the Rhode Island School of Design and influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, Luther created industrial workshops for women and hospital patients, encouraging the production of handcrafted rugs and traditional objects while supporting community well-being. The Heritage NL project includes three components: research and writing for a detailed biography to be published online, the submission of a nomination for provincial commemoration, and the delivery of accessible community workshops inspired by Luther’s craft techniques. This initiative preserves the history of a pioneering woman — often overshadowed by Wilfred Grenfell — while transmitting her artistic, social, and educational legacy to new generations.