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The Government of Prince Edward Island recently entered into a Treaty Education Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, represented by Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation and Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation.
“We are pleased to sign this Treaty Education MOU today, which will set us on the path to work together on treaty education curriculum in schools, as well as the development of treaty education programs and projects for civil servants and all Islanders,” said Chief Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation. “It is key that the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and Islanders have knowledge of these treaties and what they mean to us collectively. We are all Treaty People, and with that comes with rights and responsibilities, not just for the Mi’kmaq, but for all Islanders. I encourage people to take time to learn about Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and what they mean for us all as we move forward together.”
“Signing a Treaty Education MOU is a significant step forward and an encouraging symbol of the progress that the Mi’kmaq and the Province have made together,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. “Epekwitk is home to all Islanders, and it is vital that we take time to acknowledge and learn about our true shared history. We can accomplish so much when we work together in peace and friendship, as our ancestors intended when they signed the Peace and Friendship Treaties.”
“We are looking forward to working with L’nuey on the Treaty Education MOU, which is a significant step towards meaningful reconciliation. Treaty education is very important and will be useful for all Islanders,” said Premier Dennis King and Minister responsible for Indigenous Relations. “Through this, we can reinforce our relationship with the PEI Mi’kmaq and Indigenous peoples.”
Premier King and Chiefs Bernard and Gould intended to sign the Treaty Education MOU on Treaty Day, October 1 as part of the provincial government’s commitment to work together with the PEI Mi’kmaq and affirm the Province’s commitment to advancing reconciliation. The signing was postponed due to recovery efforts related to post-tropical storm Fiona.