Pituamkek National Park Reserve in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) will protect the
region's important coastal dune ecosystem, an area of strong
cultural and historical significance to the Epekwitnewaq Mi'kmaq
(Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward
Island)
LENNOX
ISLAND, PE, July 4, 2024
/CNW/ - 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
cultural and archaeological sites, rare and sensitive ecosystems,
and unique geological formations. Pituamkek is a place of
remarkable natural beauty due to its coastal dune systems,
old-growth forests, and Prince Edward
Island's only igneous rock incursion.
The Establishment Agreement, formalized by the Mi'kmaq
Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and the Government of Canada, lays out key elements of the future
park reserve, such as a co-management governance model, guardian
programming, community-based employment opportunities, and
commitments for net-zero, climate smart infrastructure
development.
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. Working together,
the Government of Canada and the
Mi'kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow are taking action to protect this
iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations.
The work on assembling the park reserve lands is an ongoing
partnership between L'nuey, Parks Canada, Island Nature Trust,
the Nature Conservancy of Canada,
and the Province of Prince Edward
Island who have all been major contributors to the process.
The Mi'kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow has led the way in initiating
and continuously advocating for the establishment of Pituamkek
National Park Reserve since the beginning of this process in
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 been fortunate to lead this process from the very 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 adds to the strength of our
collaboration and work towards our shared interests. In order to
move true reconciliation forward, we must have true partnership
between Indigenous people and the federal government, and this
agreement is a signal of the progress being made."
Chief Junior Gould
Abegweit First Nation
"We are on a mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by
2030, and the collaboration between the Mi'kmaq Epekwitnewaq
Kapmntemuow and Parks Canada to create the 48th national park in
Canada at Pituamkek is a great
advancement. Every day, it is more and more evident than ever that
we must act now, together, to protect the most treasured areas that
Canada has to offer. Protecting
lands and waters and the fight against climate change are
inextricably linked, and Indigenous partnership is crucial to both
for Canada."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister
responsible for Parks Canada
"Protecting this magnificent part of Prince Edward Island while maintaining access
to healthy and environmentally sustainable activities including the
fishery is a great accomplishment - and a credit to all those
involved. Furthermore, I know a lot of people in the western part
of our province are enthusiastically preparing to help show off
this special part of Canada to
visitors from across our country and around the world."
Bobby Morrissey
Member of Parliament for Egmont, Prince Edward Island
"Prince Edward Island has seen
significant growth in the number of acres of protected land over
the last couple of years. We can only succeed in increasing green
spaces and protecting Island ecosystems by working with our
partners and our local communities, so I am grateful for the hard
work of all involved in moving forward on this important national
park."
Steven Myers
Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action,
Prince Edward Island
Quick Facts
- On January 19, 2022, the
Government of Canada and the
Mi'kmaq Nation Government of Epekwitk/P.E.I. signed a Memorandum of
Understanding indicating their agreement that a national park
reserve area on the northwestern shores of Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island at Pituamkek is not only
feasible, but also strongly desired by all parties.
- The Pituamkek area on the northwestern shores of
Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island
constitutes a vital living link between Mi'kmaq culture, its
history, and the environment. For this reason, the Mi'kmaq People
of Prince Edward Island have a
strong and enduring connection with the Pituamkek area and have
recognized the area as a Mi'kmaq Heritage Landscape.
- The Mi'kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow have led the way in
initiating and continuously advocating for the establishment of a
national park reserve at Pituamkek since the beginning of this
process.
- The creation of Pituamkek National Park Reserve will be the
first national park reserve to contribute to the Government of
Canada's commitment to create ten
(10) new national parks by 2026.
- In collaboration with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and
other levels of government, Canada
is committed to protecting biodiversity and conserving 30 per cent
of land and inland waters and 30 per cent of marine and coastal
areas by 2030.
Related Links
- Parks Canada
- Pituamkek National Park Reserve
- L'nuey
- Prince Edward Island National
Park
- Government of Prince Edward
Island
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)