Young, beautiful Amelie Belliveau lives with her family among the Acadians of Grande Pre, Nova Scotia, content with her life on their idyllic farm. Along with their friends, the neighbouring Mi'kmaq, the community believes they can remain on neutral political ground despite the rising tides of war. But peace can be fragile, and sometimes faith is not enough. When the Acadians refuse to pledge allegiance to the British in their war against the French, the army invades Grande Pre, claims the land, and rips the people from their homes. Amelie's entire family, alongside the other Acadians, is exiled to ports unknown aboard dilapidated ships.