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Literary prize header

2026

Literary competition
Registration See the regulations

VENTURE TO WRITE

Founded in 1998 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Acadie Vie,
The Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary Prize aims to recognize Acadians who, through the quality of their work in the literary field, contribute to the influence and promotion of Acadia in the world.

By creating this Literary Prize, Acadie Vie, an insurance company affiliated with UNI, wanted to mark its golden jubilee in a special way by paying tribute both to the greatest Acadian writer as well as to the creators of Acadian literature.

These authors shape our collective imagination which defines us as a people and have an invaluable contribution to the arts and culture. And it is thanks to their words that they allow Acadia to shine beyond borders.

Our Ambassador

The author of Pélagie-la-Charrette, a work that won the Prix Goncourt in 1979, contributed through her work and through her action to the influence of a true French culture with American accents .

Antonine Maillet decided, from the creation of the Literary Prize, to associate her name with it. The fame of this great writer is well established and it extends throughout the French-speaking world. After more than fifty years of writing, his work includes more than fifty titles, many of which have been translated into several languages. Acadia is the favorite subject, as evidenced by a family of characters, each more endearing than the other.

Ms. Maillet passed away on February 17, 2025, but her work lives on through her invaluable legacy. 

Biographical notes

Winners 2025

Johanne Parent

Prix Annuel


Theater
Ornithorynques

Myriam Thomas

Prix Volet Jeunesse Richelieu


For her work
Clémence

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists!

Camille Perron-Cormier

Finalist

Prix Annuel


Novel
Maude et le spectre

Caroline Bélisle

Finalist

Prix Annuel


Theater
Les ensevelies

Sébastien L. Chauzu

Finalist

Prix Annuel


Novel
Antisèches

Foundation life insurance

Planned Gifts Using Life Insurance – Support for Acadian literature

Acadie Life wants to allow men and women who wish to support Acadian culture to take out an insurance policy for the benefit of a permanent trust fund which will ensure the sustainability of the Prix Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary. Good reasons to subscribe!
Everyone is able to promote Acadian literature. This prestigious support contributes significantly to the influence and dissemination of the talent of authors in Acadia, both in the Atlantic and elsewhere in Canada and even in the world. By subscribing to life insurance, you provide invaluable financial support to the Prix Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary. In turn, the latter rewards the authors who stand out the most, thus stimulating Acadian literature in general. Benefits for everyone. The life insurance benefits the winners as well as you. Your name will remain engraved in the books of the Prix Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary and in people's memories as generous donors ensuring the continuity of the literary prize. In addition, your subscription entitles you to tax advantages established by Revenue Canada. You can find out the details of these benefits by contacting a financial services advisor.

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Take an action that matters.

A subscription to life insurance is, first of all, incomparable support for the Prix Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary. It is also a driving force for the future of Acadian literary culture since the financial health of the Prix Antonine-Maillet-Acadie Vie Literary contributes to the literary health of all of Acadia. Subscribing to it is a gesture that counts now and for a long time! From authors to publishers, including lovers and enthusiasts of Acadian literature, everyone is invited to join this innovative initiative. To subscribe or obtain more information, nothing could be simpler: simply contact a financial services advisor. To subscribe to life insurance, simply contact UNI Assurance at 1-866-558-6355 or by e-mail infoassurance@uni.ca.

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