Lennox Island and Province sign land agreement for Mount Pleasant
The Province has transferred two parcels of Crown land to the Lennox Island First Nation.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is providing over 27 acres of land, including the West Prince Visitor Information Centre, to the Lennox Island Development Corporation (LIDC) to begin the creation of the Lennox Island Tourism Centre.
“I am very pleased to see the Province enter into an agreement with the Lennox Island Development Corporation to transfer these two parcels of land to our Band,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation. “The Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq regaining access to lands and resources is a key part of reconciliation, and this transfer is a small but significant step in that process. I commend Premier King and the Province for this important gesture of support for the growth and development of our Lennox Island community and hope to see agreements like this continue into the future”.
“The transfer of these acres is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples living in Prince Edward Island. The relationship that the Province and Lennox Island First Nation leadership have developed over time is grounded in our shared goal of making this province the very best it can be, and this transfer will help promote socio-economic opportunities for this region and our province as a whole.”
- Premier Dennis King, Minister responsible for Indigenous Relations
During the first year of the transfer agreement, the Province will continue to manage the visitor centre while LIDC works to develop a transition and operational plan which will allow Lennox Island First Nation to expand Indigenous tourism products with Tourism PEI.
“PEI’s reputation as a world-class destination is undeniable,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism, and Culture Matthew Mackay. “Indigenous tourism has become more and more popular over the last few years. It just makes sense to work together with Lennox Island First Nation to offer more opportunities for Islanders and visitors alike to discover PEI Mi’kmaq history, culture and traditions. I am proud that we can partner together to show the world what makes Prince Edward Island so incredible.”
Media contacts:
Vicki Tse
Executive Council Office
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
Hillary Macdonald
Economic Growth, Tourism, and Culture
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca
Sean Doke
L’nuey
sdoke@lnuey.ca