Friday, July 5, 2024 This agreement builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and a renewed government-to-government relationship with the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq. Together, the Government of Canada and the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow are working to protect this iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations. The work on assembling the park reserve lands is an ongoing partnership involving L’nuey, Parks Canada, Island Nature Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island, all of whom have been major contributors.
The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow has been advocating for the establishment of Pituamkek National Park Reserve since 2006. Quotes “This is a monumental step forward for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq. Pituamkek is a Mi’kmaq Heritage Landscape and holds tremendous cultural, ecological, and historical importance for our people.
We have led this process from the beginning, and we look forward to finalizing the Establishment Agreement for this precious area and protecting it for generations to come.” —Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation “We have formed a strong relationship with Parks Canada over the years, and this landmark announcement strengthens our collaboration. True reconciliation requires true partnership between Indigenous people and the federal government, and this agreement signals progress.
” —Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit Firs.
