Prince Edward Island celebrates Treaty Day

Recognizing October 1 as Treaty Day for the third year is an important step in the Province’s commitment to reconciliation with the PEI Mi’kmaq. 

Premier Dennis King first recognized Treaty Day in Prince Edward Island in 2019 with Chiefs Darlene Bernard and Junior Gould. This important day celebrates the remarkable friendship and shared history of Islanders and the PEI Mi’kmaq and continues to affirm the Province’s commitment to advancing opportunities to promote the overall wellbeing of Indigenous peoples living in Prince Edward Island. 

“Treaty Day is recognized annually in Mi’kma’ki (Atlantic Canada) as an opportunity to celebrate the Mi’kmaq Treaties and to educate the public about the Covenant Chain of Treaties, known as the Peace and Friendship Treaties,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of the Lennox Island First Nation. “Awareness of Mi’kmaq history and culture, as well as recognition of Mi’kmaq Treaties is key to reconciliation. I am pleased to be with Premier King to mark the third anniversary of Treaty Day in Epekwitk, PEI. It is important to know that we are ALL Treaty People, and this day represents our commitments to each other through peace and friendship.”

“The Mi’kmaq leadership is proud to once again join the PEI government in recognizing and celebrating Treaty Day here in Epekwitk. Our annual partnership to raise awareness of Mi’kmaq history and culture is one that we look forward to each year,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. “This is an important day for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and for all Islanders, and I encourage everyone to take time to learn about and reflect on the special Treaty relationship we all share as Treaty people.”

As part of the Province’s continued commitment to support Indigenous peoples in Prince Edward Island, L’nuey will be receiving a one-time $50,000 grant to support the important work that they do with the PEI Mi’kmaq.

In celebration of Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month, Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations Chiefs Darlene Bernard and Junior Gould will join Premier Dennis King in the raising of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag on October 1 at the provincial administration building courtyard, which will fly for the entire month of October.

“There is no denying that the PEI Mi’kmaq and Indigenous peoples living on the Island hold a uniquely important place in our province. We are very fortunate here in Prince Edward Island that our relationship has allowed us to focus on how we can work together to make real differences in their lives,” said Premier Dennis King, and Minister responsible for Indigenous Relations.

“As we look ahead at how we can continue advancing the important work of reconciliation, we know that research and education will be critical. I encourage all Islanders today, and every day, to take some extra time to learn, and maybe re-learn, the full events of our Canadian history.”

Media contacts:
Vicki Tse
Executive Council Office
vickitse@gov.pe.ca 

Sean Doke
L’nuey
sdoke@lnuey.ca