Mi’kmaq Culture Showcased at New Tourism Interpretative Space

As PEI’s first people, there is much to discover about the vibrant Mi’kmaq community in Prince Edward Island. Now, visitors can get a taste of authentic Mi’kmaq culture in a prime tourist destination on PEI. A new Indigenous cultural tourism space developed by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI), on behalf of the Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation, will allow visitors to experience the culture first-hand—engaging with Mi’kmaw artisans through product displays, demonstrations, and performances.

The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced government investments for MCPEI to establish an Indigenous cultural space at the Cavendish Visitor Information Centre (VIC) to support the growth of Mi’kmaq entrepreneurs and contribute to the Indigenous tourism sector.  

The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing a $49,834 non-repayable contribution to MCPEI for this project. The Province of Prince Edward Island is supporting the project with an in-kind contribution of $17,000 for the space within the Cavendish VIC.

Quotes

“The Mi’kmaq culture is a foundation of PEI’s rich history and remains an integral part of Island heritage. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI to provide visitors with a unique lens into the Indigenous culture and traditions. This exposure will encourage visitors to explore other areas across the Island, spurring the growing trend towards Indigenous tourism and creating economic opportunity for our First Nations.”    

-    The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to work with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy on this project. This is an opportunity for both Islanders and visitors alike to learn more about our province’s vibrant Aboriginal culture. Celebrating Prince Edward Island and providing world-class tourism products are two goals of this government. I am pleased that we were able to offer this space to MCPEI and help enhance the visitor experience at the Cavendish Visitor Information Centre, promote Indigenous tourism on PEI, and continue to foster economic growth in the tourism industry”

-    The Honorable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Government of Prince Edward Island

“Our culture is not only our past, it is our future. We are delighted that this venue will help us to share this with all visitors.”

-    Chief Matilda Ramjattan, Lennox Island First Nation

“We welcome all to the Cavendish site to view just a small sampling of our Mi'kmaq culture. This venue will serve as a gateway and whet the appetite of visitors. Hopefully, it will encourage them to come to our communities and get a much larger taste of what our talented Mi'kmaw artisans have to offer."

-    Chief Brian Francis, Abegweit First Nation

Media contact:
Sheila Kerry
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
slkerry@gov
902-620-3688