by Parks Canada Lennox Island, Prince Edward Island

Today, Mi’kmawey Kapmnt Ta’n Nikana’tu’tij Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaw-Saqmaq — the Mi’kmaw Nation Government of Prince Edward Island, as represented by the Prince Edward Island Chiefs, Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation and Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced that they have reached an agreement to establish a new national park reserve on the northwestern shores of Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island).

Comprised of a chain of barrier islands in northwestern P.E.I., the lands of Pituamkek (bee-DOO-um-gek) form one of the most ecologically significant coastal dune ecosystems in eastern Canada and hold great cultural and historical significance for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk, and residents of P.E.I.

In addition to its ecological and cultural importance, the archipelago also serves a critical function in helping mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on coastal communities, as seen during Hurricane Fiona.

This agreement demonstrates the mutual commitment of the Government of Canada and the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow, the Mi’kmaq Nation Government of Epekwitk, to establish long-term protection for this magnificent place.

Pituamkek, which means “At the Long Sand Dune”, is home to ancient and continuing Mi’kmaw land-use traditions, important c ...